FOX and FX took the stage at the Summer 2016 Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in Pasadena, California, on Aug. 8 and 9, respectively. FX led the TCA Awards with three awards for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” and one for “The Americans.”

At the event, FOX shed light on the scheduling move for “Pitch.” The highly anticipated MLB produced dramedy will move from midseason to fall, giving it the exposure of “Empire” and the World Series. Other FOX highlights include: Mariah Carey guest starring on “Empire,” a crossover between “New Girl” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, and a “Simpsons” first. “Scream Queens” returns with new cast members John Stamos and Taylor Lautner.

On the FX front, while all is mum on “American Horror Story” Season 6, “The Americans” producers dropped some heavy hints on Season 5. “Better Things,” FX’s first comedy series with a solo female, defies categorization. Powerhouse Donald Glover talks “Atlanta,” the dramedy centering on Earnest “Earn” Marks returning to his hometown after a failed attempt to realize his artistic dreams.

If you didn’t have time to stay up-to-date with everything said during those days, don’t worry – more highlights here:

  • Scripted series production was once again a big topic. FX Networks CEO John Landgraf on Netflix’s production pace: “They can’t double and then double again and then double again and then double again, because the entire planet’s surface would be covered by Netflix’s television shows in 20 short years.” For the most part, the surge in TV is still profitable. John insisted that the biggest problem, as he sees it, is how the volume has confused the TV discussion. (The Hollywood Reporter)
  • FX is taking steps to ensure diversity amongst the network’s director rosters. “We hope the example of FX more than quadrupling our percentage of diverse and female directors in such a short time sends a message to our whole industry that it is well past time for change to happen — and that it is only a matter of rethinking our priorities and of putting in the collective effort for us to make it so,” John said. Taking the lead are new shows “Atlanta,” premiering September 8; and “Better Things,” debuting September 6. (Variety)
  • FOX TV Group Co-Chairman and CEO Dana Walden said the reboot of “The Exorcist” took “two years to work through the rights and find the right writer. We’re not interested in just rebooting titles. We have a lot of faith in these shows.” (The Hollywood Reporter)
  • Taking the TCA stage for the first time, FOX entertainment president David Madden stressed that broadcast TV’s norms are fast-changing.“For creators, there’s still an opportunity for a big financial home run in broadcast that doesn’t exist on the other platforms,” Madden said. (Variety)

Take a look at the tweets with the #FOXTCA and #FXTCA hashtag to find out more about what FOX and FX had to say at the Summer 2016 FCA. 

Bitnami