TV NEWS ON JULY 24

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2012/07/tca-summer-2012-press-tour-fox-and-nbc.html The TCA Summer 2012 Press Tour began for the broadcast networks yesterday with Fox. We want to give you a recap of what Fox presented before we get into NBC, which is up today (and tomorrow). First up for Fox was a performance from So You Think You Can Dance? performers. All people on hand got some snacks such as Fox chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel balls--gotta love that! The panels began with So You Think You Can Dance, followed by a panel of upcoming new comedy The Mindy Project. Then it was time for a panel with the cast and crew of another upcoming comedy, Ben and Kate. We have some news on both new comedies below. Then it was the all-important executive session with Kevin Reilly. Among the announcements he made were Mariah Carey, one of the best-selling female recording artists of all time, has joined American Idol as a new judge starting in January. She will replace Jennifer Lopez and there has not been a replacement announcement yet for Steven Tyler. Quote of the day from Reilly: "It's going to be a competitive year. They've (CBS) got the Super Bowl this year, they've got the AFC (Championship) playoff game. I think it's going to be a very close year. In fact, we may not win this season this year. We've had a record eight years in a row, but I can tell you at the very least it's going to be close." Reilly also gave us a timetable on when a host (or hosts?) will be announced for The X Factor: "We're pretty close, it could happen next week, it could happen in two weeks." And as for having two hosts: "I really can't say for sure, I think that's going to be about who Simon finally selects." Also, Fox gave an official order for a fourth season of summer entry MasterChef, which is currently in its third season. After lunch it was back to the panels, with upcoming new drama The Mob Doctor. Fox announced that Terry Kinney will join the cast starting with episode two. Then there was the panel for American Idol, with Britney and company live via satellite. Next there was a panel for the upcoming Gordon Ramsay series (yes another!), Hotel Hell. And finally the last panel is for the last season of Fringe. Then it was off to the Fox after party. Among the major announcements announced by Fox, fans will be able to preview new Fox comedies Ben and Kate and The Mindy Project in advance of their fall primetime debuts on Facebook and other online sites for two weeks from Monday, Aug. 27 at 5:00 PM ET through Sunday, Sept. 9 at 5:00 PM ET. Beginning Aug. 27, Facebook fans can preview the series premiere episodes of both Ben and Kate and The Mindy Project on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BenandKate and www.Facebook.com/TheMindyProject. On Facebook, fans will be able to watch the series premiere episodes, share their opinions and encourage their friends to watch. Fans who don't want to miss the Facebook preview should "like" both series on Facebook. The premiere episodes will also preview on numerous websites, including Yahoo!, Hulu, AOL, MSN, Fox.com and Xfinity, among others, and via participating cable, satellite and telco distribution partners, on both VOD and online platforms. As part of the all-new "Laugh Your Fox Off!" Tuesday comedy block, Ben and Kate (8:30 PM ET/PT) and The Mindy Project (9:30 PM ET/PT) debut Tuesday, Sept. 25 on Fox. In other Fox Tuesday news, this summer Fox is giving fans additional opportunities to catch up with the Emmy Award-nominated New Girl before the special Season Two debut on Tuesday, Sept. 25 (at 8:00 PM ET/PT and 9:00 PM ET/PT), including free streaming of all 24 Season One episodes on the "New Girl Summer Catch-UP" on Yahoo! TV, and a new interactive fan website www.addtothejar.com, beginning July 30 through August 26. Six or seven episodes will be rolled out every week through Aug. 26.