The Television Critics Association announced the nominations for this year’s TCA Awards last week, and I like how simple and to-the-point the categories are. We’re picking the year’s best new shows and overall programming (“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that beat its scripted rival? There could be something like that!), as well as standout individual achievements in drama (Noah Wyle vs. Rhea Seehorn!) and comedy (the dream Harrison Ford vs. Jean Smart).
It’s a great antidote to the Emmys and other TV award shows. Unfortunately, there is no actual TCA Awards Ceremony at this time. Like many events, the TCA Awards became press release-only during the pandemic and announcement-only in 2023 due to the Hollywood strike.
Finally, the awards returned to in-person events during the organization’s summer 2024 press tour, just in time for its 40th edition. It was a dynamic night, with producers and stars from FX’s Shogun, HBO Max’s Hux and Netflix’s Baby Reindeer in attendance.
Because it wasn’t televised, the TCA Awards were always a fun, no-pressure night for the creators of TV’s biggest shows. And to be recognized by some of the most influential television pundits and reporters in the country meant something special.
The TCA Awards have traditionally been held during the summer press tour. However, the 2024 edition sadly appears to be the group’s last edition (after 40 years!). The event was canceled again last year as networks and streamers pulled out of press tours and members outside of Los Angeles found it increasingly difficult to find funds to travel in recent weeks.
So what happens in 2026? I called TCA President Andy Dennert and was told that, like last year, the winners will be announced via social media. TCA members will present awards to the winners in a pre-recorded video.
“Our number one idea is to bring the TCA Awards to a broader audience and make sure they know about the shows we cover,” says Dennert, who also runs the essential website Reality Blurred.
is that so? Will the TCA Awards ever be held in person again? Without a press tour as an anchor, it is financially difficult. Unlike many other award shows, TCA does not charge an entry fee (which allows most small organizations to still host the show). And at this point, TCA doesn’t want to be seen as compromising by accepting sponsorships from networks and streamers that it’s supposed to judge fairly.
Still…I think it’s important for the Television Critics Association to survive in the long term without doing more press tours that the TCA Awards return to being an in-person event. And it should come back soon.
To Mr. Dennert’s and TCA’s credit, Mr. Dennert has said he welcomes the proposal. And I have quite a few! First, the awards must be held during Emmy Phase 1 to take advantage of the campaigns and available talent during that period. I also suggest that TCA seek advice from Peabody and Humanitas, two nonprofit organizations that have successfully put together classy events honoring television’s greatest artists.
On the other hand, some television festivals and groups could benefit from taking on the TCA Awards ceremony and may have the infrastructure to recruit sponsorship partners beyond the entertainment industry. What about a partnership with the Hollywood Radio & Television Society, also known as HRTS, run by former journalist (and former Variety colleague) Melissa Grego? Or maybe partnering with ATX TV Festival (which has already started a partnership with TCA), SeriesFest, and yes, Paley Center.
The TCA Awards, held during PaleyFest, will be a win-win, providing Paley with a prestigious awards event combined with an evening show panel and providing TCA with a visible and financially viable platform. HRTS has a tradition of luncheons and galas, and perhaps the TCA Awards fit right in.
I sincerely hope that we can bring back the TCA Awards as an in-person event and give TCA a new annual tradition to keep its foundation strong.
“At TCA, I’m all about experimenting, trying new things, having conversations, and partnering with new people,” Dennert tells me. “We’re not tied to a particular mode of doing things, and that’s really exciting to me.”
