11 Things We Learned at the NBC Winter TCA Panels: Scoop on 'Parks & Rec,' 'Chicago Fire,' and More
The Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour is underway and Moviefone sat in for the panels at NBC's day to present their upcoming roster of programming. We got some scoop on new shows and returning favorites -- here are the highlights!
1. Eva Longoria Returns to TV
The "Desperate Housewives" alum's comedy "Telenovela," about a daytime actress and her popular show, has a 13-episode order already.
2. "Heroes Reborn" Has a New Star
And his name is Zachary Levi. The "Chuck" actor will join NBC's upcoming miniseries, a continuation of "Heroes."
3. The Next NBC Live Musical Will Be...
"The Wiz" or "The Music Man." They're still deciding. Which would you prefer?
4. An Undergound Railroad series?
Another musical endeavor for the network will be "Freedom Run," a musical miniseries that will focus on stories from the Underground Railroad and feature music from Stevie Wonder.
5. Dolly Parton Has Some TV Tricks Up Her Bedazzled Sleeve
In other music news, county legend Dolly Parton is developing a series of TV movies based on her life and her work. We're not complaining...
6. No More Cosby
NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt says it's "safe to say" the network won't be working with the comedian again. "When that many people come out and have such similar complaints, it became a tainted situation," he remarked when asked about scrapping NBC's previously planned Bill Cosby project.
7. Chicago... Med?
There's already "Chicago PD" and "Chicago Fire," so why not add "Chicago Med" in the successful mix? Well, that's the plan.
8. "Hannibal" Will Return...
This summer. You'll have to hold tight a little bit for Season 3, everyone.
9. "The Slap" Is an Interesting Choice for Network
"The Slap," a miniseries comprised of an impressive cast that includes Uma Thurman, Peter Saarsgard, Thandie Newton, Zachary Quinto, and Melissa George, revolves around the consequences that arise from one parent's slapping of another family's child. The "slap" is really just a catalyst for the events that follow, and the complex issues that are raised throughout. "For the first time, we have this luxurious, poetic dialogue... and we're on network TV," George noted of the tricky concept.
10. More "Chicago Fire" / "Chicago PD" Crossovers
"You cant do it too often, but two, three times a season is catnip," says Dick Wolf.
.@SophiaBush says working on #ChicagoFire / #ChicagoPD crossover is a good time, "like being in a fraternity house" #TCA15
- moviefone (@moviefone) January 17, 2015
11. We're Going to Miss "Parks & Rec"
OK, we already knew this. But after watching the hilarious cast in action discussing their favorite memories and experience on the show, the whole room felt the impending loss even more. Some highlights of their panel included Amy Poehler expressing her love for the idea of "treat yourself," Chris Pratt's vocal hatred of mean internet commenters ("screw everybody who reads comments!"), and producer Mike Schur's reveal that he originally planned to have Andy Dwyer end up as mayor. We also learned that everyone will return for the finale. Schur mentioned that "the last moments of the show are everybody in the same place at the same time."
"I would never (bleep!) leave the show," @prattprattpratt on ever considering a #ParksandRec exit. #TCA15
- moviefone (@moviefone) January 17, 2015
Keep checking back for more news straight from the Winter TCA press tour panels!