The nation’s TV critics are giving ousted NBC Entertainment prexy Kevin Reilly a going-away present, awarding a leading 13 TV Critics Assn. noms to Peacock series.
A dozen of the net’s noms went to three frosh series greenlit by Reilly: “Friday Night Lights,” “30 Rock” and “Heroes.” The other NBC nom went to the net’s third-year hit “The Office,” which was developed by Reilly and is exec produced by his replacement, Ben Silverman.
“Friday Night Lights” was the most nommed series overall, with five mentions. Skein’s leads, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, were both nominated in the drama acting categories.
HBO was runner-up in overall mentions, tallying eight noms in regular categories (plus a mention for “The Sopranos” in the Heritage Award category, the TCA’s equivalent to a lifetime achievement award).
ABC scored four noms, including three for newcomer “Ugly Betty.” Comedy Central, Fox and Showtime each scored two noms, while CBS’ current slate of shows — despite attracting more viewers than any other network — was shut out by crix. Eye classics “MASH” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” are nommed in the heritage category, however.
Also shut out was FX, which didn’t score any noms for new skeins “The Riches” or “Dirt.” TNT also didn’t get any recognition for its critic-friendly drama “The Closer.”
Overall, it was a good year for new shows. In addition to NBC’s frosh trio and the three noms for “”Ugly Betty,” Showtime’s “Dexter” snagged two noms.
Crix also took the rare step of nominating two documentaries –Discovery’s “Planet Earth” and HBO’s “When the Levees Broke” — in the program of the year category.
Winners will be announced July 21 at the TCA’s annual gala at the Beverly Hilton.
[Check Out the Nominees at: Variety]
Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.