Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes was online Friday, July 18 at 1 p.m. ET to brings you the latest from the press tour, including the latest scheduling information, an appearance from the GOP's Boy Genius and the return of ex-CNNer Aaron Brown.

The transcript follows.

Lisa Blogs From the Press Tour | TV columns | On TV discussion transcripts.

De Moraes has written "The TV Column" for The Post since 1998. She served as the TV editor for the entertainment industry trade publication the "Hollywood Reporter" for almost a decade.

____________________

washingtonpost.com: Unfortunately Lisa de Moraes won't be able to do the chat today. Please come back next Friday for the next On TV discussion.

_______________________

Richmond, Va.: Jon Hamm is badass.

Lisa de Moraes: Um, yes? Not quite sure what to say here. He's awful pretty too and looks good in a suit. What we need is more television programming where the men are all in suits..

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: I missed last season of "Prison Break." Is it worth catching up on Netflix for this season, or should I just skip it and start watching(fill in the blank please) instead?

Lisa de Moraes: You will be clueless unless you do your homework. This is not a show for fair-weather TV viewers...

_______________________

Fairfax Station, Va.: Hiya Pookiela -- what's this I hear about Amy Poehler deflecting to a "The Office" spinoff?

Lisa de Moraes: Some are saying it's "The Office" spinoff. Others are saying it's a different show. Still others are saying "what Office spinoff?" NBC will be asked about it at the press tour in a couple days but even then we won't know what's true because reality is very fluid at NBC these days... Pretty exciting, huh?

_______________________

Butte, Mont.: I really, really don't understand the whole "Hannah Montana" thing. I saw a few seconds of her music on "Good Morning America," and it's a vapid Avril Lavigne clone. And her dad is a one-hit wonder. In radio commercials for "talent" agencies using high-pressure sales tactics ("only 200 kids will be auditioned!"), the announcer uses the phrase "Hannah Montana" about 16 times! "Do you want your child to be on shows like 'Hannah Montana'? We can place your children on shows like 'Hannah Montana'!" Aaugh!

Lisa de Moraes: The People Who Cover Television feel the same pressure. The name "Hannah Montana" sells. Like "Britney Spears." Fortunately, some Mensa boy just asked the head of CBS entertainment division if Britney Spears saved "How I Met Your Mother" so I'll be able to use her name at least 20 times in tomorrow's column...

_______________________

Greenbelt, Md.: Wait, weren't you canceled for today?

Lisa de Moraes: No. I hope not. Otherwise, I'll have to start making up my own questions...

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Lisa: Please tell me "Rules of Engagement" will be back sometime later this year or next ... I didn't see it on the fall schedule. If they need a show to bump, "New Adventures of Old Christine," or "Big Bang Theory" would be okay by me.

Lisa de Moraes: "Rules" does very well for CBS so it's not cancelled. CBS is trying out a couple of new comedies for fall -- "Worst Week" and "Garry Unmarried." "Rules" is on the bench...

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Lisa, looking at the nominations for Emmy Awards, it seems as if the Academy just loves to nominate movie stars (Susan Sarandon, Laura Linney, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, etc.). Are they really better actors than the so-called "television" stars who do the real heavy lifting? To me, it looks like the Academy either likes to reward the movie stars for slumming on television, or hopes they show up to the awards ceremony to lure more viewers.

Lisa de Moraes: TV academy members are definitely bedazzled by the stardom-ness of film stars. Apparently that's not a word because my spell check is having apoplexy...anyway, the answer is 'yes.'

_______________________

Hyattsville, Md.: I wonder what others think about the reasons for "The Wire" being so blatantly snubbed in the Emmy nominations. I hate to think it was prejudice against a series that focused on urban issues and featured a largely African American cast. Was it because "The Wire" was too hard to follow? Because it was filmed in Baltimore? Dislike of David Simon?

Lisa de Moraes: I don't get it. Maybe HBO didn't promote it at Emmy time? They clearly were not impressed with the show, having snubbed it every single year of its run..

_______________________

Harrisburg, Pa.: Maybe it is too early to tell, but what in your opinion looks like the worst idea for a new TV series in the upcoming lineup?

Lisa de Moraes: It's hard to say, given that there are so many series I have not even seen the pilot on yet which the networks say is owing to the strike having gummed things up and yet, CBS got most of its pilots out for the press to look at before today -- its day at Thank God We're Working TV Press Tour 2008. I need to mull this...

_______________________

Vienna, Va.: Have you been able to view Neil Patrick Harris on "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog"? Just more proof that it's Neil Patrick Harris's world.

Lisa de Moraes: Love it. I even love those commercial he's got on the air for I don't even know what the product is where he notes he used to be a pretend doctor. It may be a deodorant ad -- I can't remember. Whatever it is, I will write it down next time I see the ad and run out and buy the product whether I use it or not. just to thank them for making it. That ad has been better than the shows in which it was running both times I saw it...

_______________________

St. Paul, Minn.: Hi Lisa. As an "Ugly Betty" fan I was happy to see the Emmy nominations for America and Vanessa, but why nothing for Michael Urie or Becki Newton, two of the best supporting players on TV? And enough with "Boston Legal" and "Monk"!

Lisa de Moraes: Fortunately, this season will be "Boston Legal's'" last on the air which should free up a couple of Emmy nomination slots in, um two years. I'm a patient gal. I agree with you completely re: Michael and Becki...

_______________________

Washington: Okay, I thought I was used to "The Wire" getting snubbed Every. Single. Blessed. Awards Season, but now that the Emmy nominations are out in its final year of eligibility, I realize I actually can't handle it. I have to submit to a higher power. So, Lisa, what do you think? Is this because the show is filmed entirely outside Hollywood, and the cast and crew don't hobnob with the right people? Are the "right people" really that susceptible to hobnobbing? Or does the Academy honestly think "Lost" is a better drama series ("Lost"!) and that Ted Danson is a better supporting actor than anyone on "The Wire"?

I wish there were a sixth season of "The Wire" going behind the scenes at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and in the climactic season finale the building gets sucked into a fiery chasm created by a powerful earthquake ... and it's all so ironic because this is just the kind of idiotic television that the Academy probably would honor with an Emmy.

Lisa de Moraes: If only they'd done an episode in which Britney Spears came to Baltimore and toured the docks...

_______________________

Fairfax City, Va.: The conclusion I drew from your column last Saturday was CNN is to politics what "Entertainment Tonight" is to Hollywood. Given all that's going on in the world, the "No. 1 whatever team on television" really gives a crap about who introduces Hillary and how Bush and Cheney are treated? You've got to be kidding me. I can't even express how shallow, vapid and idiotic CNN's "reporters" seem. Tell Blitzer to bring a red carpet to each convention and ask delegates what designer they're wearing.

washingtonpost.com: CNN, 'SNL' and TV Critics' Primary Concerns (AP, July 12)

Lisa de Moraes: It was one of the odder sessions at the tour. And yet, Katie Couric and the CBS news team were just here, via satellite, explaining why you can only ask Barack Obama questions about his policy on Iraq if he's actually there. They were explaining why this is such an important news event all three broadcast newscasts need to send their anchors. It appears it's important because the backdrop will be perfect..

_______________________

Atlanta: What kind of stunt should your fans do in order to protest your cancelation?

Lisa de Moraes: Send my online producer millions of pairs of designer shoes with letters of protest? Manolos, please -- size 8...

_______________________

Reston, Va.: Now that "Saving Grace" is back on TV, I have a tacky question: What is up with Holly Hunter's face? Her mouth constantly looks like it has a hook in it. Did she have a medical condition or a bad "renovation"?

Lisa de Moraes: I have not looked closely at her face. I try not to. I've always thought her mouth odd, but you seem to be saying it just got odder?

_______________________

"The Wire": "The Wire" is snubbed by the Emmys because if "The Wire" gets a bigger exposure and more people watch it, it will dilute their taste for "According to Jim" and that awful Brad Garrett show. It's pure survival instinct.

Lisa de Moraes: Paleeze -- about 1.1 million people watch "Mad Men" ... but I take your "According to Jim" point. That said, "Jim" only got one nomination. For something technical. best lighting. or sound or something...

_______________________

Richmond, Va.: The Neil Patrick Harris ad is for Old Spice.

Lisa de Moraes: Oh great! Now I have to go buy a carton of "Old Spice." I'm hoping it's useful to repel bugs...kind of like that Avon hand cream helps repel fleas on dogs. Otherwise I have absolutely no use for Old Spice. But, a promise is a promise..

_______________________

Washington: Hi Lisa (aka Pookie). Any word on "24"? I know I probably am asking a question that shows I've been living in a cave, but really, I've been out of the country! Thanks.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes. "24" is coming back in January, but this fall, November sweep, Fox is going to air a "24" flick which, a Fox executive told us at the press tour, will , like the series, cover one day in the life of Jack the Cursed. The day the president is elected and is sworn in , the executive said. Apparently, in Los Angeles they believe that happens on the same day...

_______________________

"The Wire" vs. "Lost": Alright, simmer down. As a "Lost" fan I would direct my hatred (having never seen "The Wire") toward "Boston Legal" instead. (I've heard too many good things about "The Wire," despite never seeing it, to bash it ... "Boston Legal" on the other hand ... yeesh.)

Lisa de Moraes: I can't bash "Boston Legal." My parents never would speak to me again...

_______________________

Athens, Ga.: Pookie, I actually saw Ann Curry take a breath last night during the Nightly News. Should I change my mind about her? Nah, I don't think so.

Lisa de Moraes: I think National Geographic Channel is going to do a special on it. "Ann Curry: The Newschick Who Needs No Oxygen."

_______________________

Katie Couric: What's up with her leaving CBS? In gossip-land, is that still scheduled to happen after the election?

Lisa de Moraes: Head of CBS News denied. Katie denied. Reporters Who Cover Television will lead their coverage of the news session with that -- while accusing the evening newscasts of taking a rock-star approach to covering Barack Obama when there's so much real news out there...

_______________________

Real End of Civilization: With the debut of VH1's "I Love Money," I listed the shows that are derivatives of "The Surreal Life," compared to the shows that spun from the classic sitcom "All in the Family." "The Surreal Life" begat "Strange Love," which begat "Flavor of Love," which begat "Flavor of Love" II and III, which begat "I Love New York" and "I Love New York" II. "Flavor of Love" also begat "Charm School" and made "Rock of Love" and "Rock of Love" II seem like a good idea.

"All in the Family" spun off "The Jeffersons" and "Maude," which resulted in "Good Times." While these shows had some problems, all were ground-breaking. How much has society deteriorated since the '70s?

Lisa de Moraes: You are scaring me ... meanwhile, I don't hold that other era of TV so sacred, though they could do a lot more on broadcast TV than we can now .... maybe that's one of the reasons we wind up with "Flavor of Love" and "Charm School."

_______________________

St. Paul, Minn.: You are being cancelled? I plan my whole week around this chat. That and the weekend that follows, but still...

washingtonpost.com: No, it was just this week because of press tour difficulties. Come back in off the ledge.

Lisa de Moraes: I got cancelled but then un-cancelled ... the news session at the tour ran late-ish and I got off to a very late start. sorry for the confusion...

_______________________

"Eli Stone": Pookster I'm kinda nervous about asking this question because you like George Michael (Christmas special episode?), but have you heard whether they are going to cut back on the musical numbers (length and frequency both)? I like the scripts, the characters and I even can stand the kind-of-hokey prophesying, but really -- that music is an anomalous and unnecessary distraction and takes away from everything else. Am I still allowed to be your loyal reader?

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, you can stay, but we will have to win you over on George Michael. Yes he's supposed to come back to the show for an Xmas episode. But, more important, Katie Holmes, Mrs. Scary Cruise, is going to sing and dance on the second episode this season. You can't tell me you aren't clapping your little hands in excitement over that?

_______________________

Austin, Texas: Pookie, how's "Weeds" doing? It seems the show has deviated a lot from the first show/season, and I'm wondering how other audience members are adjusting to it. Also, is "The Starter Wife" coming back? It was pretty good for the six episodes it did, but I'm wondering if that was a miniseries, or an actual real-life series. Thanks.

Lisa de Moraes: "Starter Wife" is coming back -- will be a session on it at the tour Sunday or Monday, can't remember. Meanwhile, "Weeds's" initial numbers were substantially better than last year, though still not huge numbers...

_______________________

"Boston Legal's" last season?: Really, have the ratings been that bad? I know it's over the top as a show, but don't you think William Shatner is a scream?

Lisa de Moraes: I'm kind of tired of Shatner's "crazy old man" routine. I want to see him get out of that box and do something serious. You know -- King Lear, nude, for PBS...

_______________________

Green Bay, Wis.: So how long will it be until the broadcast networks stop carrying the Emmys, figuring it's just a four-hour commercial for cable?

washingtonpost.com: Basic Cable Is Proving a Strong Contender for HBO's Emmy Throne (Post, July 18)

Lisa de Moraes: Last time the Emmy broadcast contract was up for renewal, the broadcast networks mulled just that. Meanwhile, HBO was threatening to buy it to run on the pay cable network which would have been the end of the trophy show. I do think there will come a time when the broadcasters will no longer be interested in carrying. Like Miss America pageant. and it will migrate to TLC or something...

_______________________

"Little Britain USA": You didn't mention anything about "Little Britain USA" in your column about the HBO leg of the press tour. What do you think? Will it stand up to the original, or be too Americanized?

Lisa de Moraes: I'd like to see them just air the British version ... it's practically perfect..

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Any word on when the DVD for Season 4 of "Project Runway" is coming out? I don't have cable anymore and I miss this show. ... Thanks!

Lisa de Moraes: Weinstein company spokeswoman says November -- maybe ... great...

_______________________

Redmond, Wash.: How is "Flashpoint" doing? It's great to see Enrico Colantoni on TV again -- it's been too long since "Veronica Mars."

Lisa de Moraes: Head of CBS Entertainment just said a few minutes ago they were happy with the numbers but she didn't commit to buying more episodes though she did say it was a new era for buying "foreign" product for the U.S. broadcast networks. It's produced in Canada...

_______________________

Kathy Griffin's agent: ... could sell sand in the desert.

Lisa de Moraes: Are you suggesting she's not talented? I love her, even when I hate her. She's fearless. We need more fearless...

_______________________

Dallas: David Caruso Day -- did you see his interview on one of those Celebrity News shows where the interviewer asked Caruso to demonstrate How to Put on the Sunglasses? Caruso said as he demonstrated: First you look down, then you slowly raise and put on the glasses, then slowly raise your head. The interviewer tried it, then Caruso said "don't let my producer see you or I'll be out of a job!" So, Caruso appears to have a bit of self-humor.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, he does. But he has so. He did his routine at the CBS upfront presentation two years ago -- came on stage via videotape to announce each night of the week before the head of entertainment would then explain to advertisers the network's new schedule for that night. Much taking on and off of aviator glasses, peering over top of aviator glasses, etc.

_______________________

Vienna, Va.: I have a perfect job for Shatner -- host of "Saturday Night Live," with a sketch in which he does a parody of David Caruso in "CSI: Miami." Who could out-ham Caruso but the master himself?

Lisa de Moraes: In a red wig ... brilliant. But I'd like to see him replace William Peterson on "CSI." Marg Helgenberger would have a thermonuclear meltdown. All good TV ... we were just told Peterson is going to be replaced by an actor "of stature" who will play a CSI outsider who has the DNA of a serial killer, only he's a doctor. Yikes.

_______________________

Boston: Why would anyone besides the actors and staff care if a show gets "snubbed" at awards time? "The Wire" is over; the producers did all the shows/seasons they wanted to do. If people watched and liked it, would they remember it more fondly because McNulty got an award?

Lisa de Moraes: It's true, a trophy-show win is really only good for negotiating your next gig -- I'm told you can ask about 10 percent more per episode...

_______________________

Things Happen in Threes: First Tim Russert, then Tony Snow. Did you notice a preoccupation with their health among those at the news session? Particularly the on-air talent?

Lisa de Moraes: How deliciously morbid. But no...

_______________________

Okay, Pookster, now you've done it!: Shatner nude, oh my -- I just spit my frappuccino all over my computer!

Lisa de Moraes: I think if the FCC's Decency Police are going to have to watch the PBS broadcast of "King Lear" to see whether it really did blind children who watched, they should get their money's worth..

_______________________

Tarzana: Maybe Ann Curry chews the same "oxygum" that the cartoon character Marine Boy used to chew to breathe underwater.

Lisa de Moraes: I assumed she went to that same breathing coach David Blaine went to before he held his breath in a giant tank for 20 minutes or whatevs on Oprah's show...

_______________________

Washington: Bruce Campbell also did a few ads for Old Spice. They can be intermittently entertaining, in that random, not-at-all-related-to-the-product way.

Lisa de Moraes: How did I miss that? Darn that DVR!

_______________________

Recession Question about TV: Are cable channels at all vulnerable to economic conditions? It's one of the first things mentioned for people to cut from their budgets, and I'm wondering whether, if the economy gets worse, there would be a noticeable impact on cable.

Lisa de Moraes: You'd think so, but with the government conveniently making us all switch to digital and what a hassle that is going to be if you don't have cable or satellite TV hooked up in your house, I'm thinking maybe not so much.

_______________________

Schenectady, N.Y.: Can I just say, I love summer TV? "American Gladiator," "Wipeout," "Japanese Game Show" with the crazy guy with the Southern accent who just loves Japan ... maybe it's the humidity, maybe it's the two small children running me ragged all day, but there is something so refreshing to turn on the TV after they are in bed and watch grown adults make fools of themselves and fall down a lot. I love TV that doesn't demand a lot from me.

Lisa de Moraes: Head of ABC Entertainment said "Wipeout" is so popular at ABC some of his execs, etc., wanted to run the "Wipeout" course and they may do retreats at the course. Or maybe he said they already did a retreat where they had to run the course. I can't remember because it was two days ago which is a million years in TV Press Tour time. I'd pay good money to watch some of my co-workers run that course...

_______________________

Don't be a "hater: "Monk" is brilliant -- I know not everyone thinks so, but there are about a dozen incredible moments of humor, pathos, kindness and slapstick in each episode. Tony Shalhoub is a genius, and that's nothing to snub at.

Lisa de Moraes: Monk is like a funnier "Murder, She Wrote." You can set your watch by when certain things happen on the show. "Law & Order" shows are the same way...

_______________________

Re: "CSI" :"We were just told Peterson is going to be replaced by an actor 'of stature' who will play a CSI outsider who has the DNA of a serial killer, only he's a doctor." Is Dexter replacing Peterson on "CSI"? CBS is carrying this synergy idea too far.

Lisa de Moraes: Nina said she did not think the new character was "informed" by Dexter... we all had the same idea you did sitting in the room listening to this and the question was asked..

_______________________

Sitcoms: Having read about the sorry state of sitcoms in your columns, I was wondering, then, why one of the few successful sitcom's -- "Two and A Half Men" -- would pull a boneheaded move like writing off Robert Wagner's character? I stopped watching when they cut back Holland Taylor's role (and no, I'm not a senior citizen), but then tuned in to watch her and Wagner steal each scene they were in ... and I just may have answered my own question.

Lisa de Moraes: Holland Taylor is her generation's greatest comedic scenery chewer. When I think they had originally cast Gwyneth Paltrow's mom in the role, I shudder.

_______________________

Anonymous: Pookie, when I look at the Emmy nominations for Best Comedy, I see several "cool" shows -- "30 Rock," "The Office," "Entourage," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" -- but then there's also "Two and a Half Men." Huh?! How does that work? Am I missing something? Do I really just not get that show? Am I out of touch?

Lisa de Moraes: I adore that show. It's so deliciously raunchy. I laugh and get to feel guilty for doing so at the same time. Perfect half-hour.

_______________________

1970s TV: It certainly wasn't all good. I watched a an episode of "Diff'rent Strokes" ('78-'84) the other day, and man was that show horrendous. Granted it was a "Sam/wife replacement" episode, but I don't think I ever have seen such a poorly written and acted sitcom.

Lisa de Moraes: Everyone who keeps whining about the golden age of television should be forced to go back and watch an entire season of that series. That'd cure them.

_______________________

Washington: Was there anything for the Sci Fi Channel at the Tour? "Stargate Atlantis" just started airing this past week.

Lisa de Moraes: Okay, that was about 4 days ago -- 30 years in TV Press Tour time...

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Thanks again for your great reports from the TCA tour -- it always sounds like so much fun (well, the Q&As at least). I wish someone would broadcast them so we all could see the show stars and producers talk about upcoming seasons.

Lisa de Moraes: Then there would be no need for TV critics to cover the tour. No, I cannot condone this...it's best left to the professionals. Speaking thereof, next session about to start. I've got to get back to work ... sorry for the cancellation confusion ... bye.

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.