If any network knows how to woo a bunch of television journalists, it's FOX. From their Brooklyn Nine-Nine themed-brunch to their New Girl-packaged lunch, it's a TV worshipper's dream. And that's not even counting the fact that we got Simon Cowell's first comments since word got out that he's going to be a father (Spoiler: It wasn't much, but you know the media is going to go crazy with it).
FOX Chairman of Entertainment, Kevin Reilly, also talked about the network's plan for how they will write Finn out of Glee (more on that in a minute), while later in the night, Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson spilled a bit of what's to come for Jess and Nick on New Girl. (It's gooood!)
In the meantime, check out the Brooklyn Nine-Nine (co-starring Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher) brunch menu. FOX, can you hold a TCA day every week?
Zooey Deschanel's likeness (or poster board) greeted journalists prior to lunch. Cool or creepy?
At the X Factor panel, you know Simon Cowell was hoping that all the attention would be on new judges Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio. (Well, maybe not. After all, it is Simon we're talking about.) Of course, he found himself facing TV critics a mere two days after news broke that he's about to become a father to his friend's (soon-to-be-ex) wife.
A reporter started off by congratulating Simon on his new addition and then asking, "Were you as surprised by the news as we were?"
Simon's response? "I haven't read the newspapers. Am I missing something?" If Simon was aiming for a laugh, he wasn't going to get one. If anything, the TV critics seemed bored by his attempt to joke about the matter. He then added, "Unfortunately, I have to keep this private for the moment. It's just one of those things, but thank you anyway."
That didn't stop another journalist from trying a different tactic, this time asking the female judges how Simon would be as a father. Lovato, who has earned her place as the most vocal on the panel last season, quickly gave a "no comment," before Simon—quite amused—said, "That was clever!"
Meanwhile, during Fox's Chairman of Entertainment Kevin Reilly's executive session, Reilly spoke highly of Glee star Lea Michele again, stating that she has been an extraordinary human being and a pillar of strength during such a difficult time.
Reilly also said that Finn Hudson will be written out of the show in the third episode, which will "deal directly with the incidents involved in Cory's passing and the drug abuse in particular." With that said though, Reilly pointed out that he could not confirm whether Finn Hudson dies of [drugs].
As for Monteith's well-publicized struggle, he added, "Nobody was shocked, but ultimately everybody was shocked." He went on to say what most of us have thought in the wake of Cory's passing: "You see some people struggling with addiction, and it's clear. Cory was a big, open, wonderful life force. He was not a problem. He didn't look like [a drug addict]. He looked straight as an arrow."
It is that thinking that Reilly hopes can serve as an important lesson to Glee fans. Creator Ryan Murphy will shoot public service announcements with fellow cast members. "They are going to speak directly to the audience, and I think they're going to be very impactful." The proceeds from the episode's music sales will go toward a fund in Monteith's name.
In other news, Reilly confirmed that Keith Urban will be back on American Idol next season, but he could not confirm or deny a report that Jennifer Lopez is close to signing a deal to bring her back to the FOX behemoth. (My take? I think she'll be back.)
Once the day came to an end, the party started—and FOX threw a shindig at the Soho House in West Hollywood that did not disappoint. I could have stayed all night (which I almost did when the valet couldn't locate my car for over a half-hour).
Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, and Jake Johnson were flanked by some of their littlest fans: the stars of Gordon Ramsay's Masterchef Junior.
Two of my favorite boys: Max Greenfield and Jake Johnson (in what I like to call a Jessica sandwich). The two were inseparable for most of the night, and at one point called on me to judge who was best dressed. Don't ask. This could have been a New Girl episode in and of itself.
Lamorne Morris doing his sexy face—or at least, that's what he calls it. (Don't worry, he expects me to tease him.)
The always stunning Hannah Simone told me she was going to be celebrating her birthday this weekend with the cast. She'll also be cutting her bangs again before she starts taping the new season on Monday.
By the way, I know you all want to know what's in store for New Girl's season threw. I talked to Zooey and Jake; both told me that their characters will end up in Mexico in the season premiere and Nick gets arrested. "We want to get away from the loft and are dealing with this thing [a.k.a. their relationship] where we don't want to deal with loft dynamics." Um, guys, have you ever heard of a hotel or a B&B? California has plenty of those. But then again, why would we expect anything less from our favorite zany duo?
Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland sat together for most of the evening at the Soho House and munched on several tray-passed appetizers.
Andy Samberg of Brooklyn Nine-Nine was one of several FOX stars still enjoying the party at the time the soiree was scheduled to end.
So, what do you guys think of Nick and Jess ending up in Mexico? And Nick getting arrested? Can they make it work? And would you like to see Jennifer Lopez return to Idol?
Photos: Juan Rico/FOX, Michael Becker/FOX, Jessica Radloff
Source:
http://www.glamour.com/entertainment/blogs/obsessed/2013/08/all-the-scoop-from-the-fox-sum.html