BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- You could almost see the Grim Reaper hovering over the stage during the press conference for CBS's "Viva Laughlin," a remake of the BBC America musical series "Viva Blackpool."

The questions in the room were mostly along the lines of, "Why did you make this show neither fish nor fowl?" The CBS version has the characters breaking into song too infrequently and in a way that doesn't connect with the audience. It's as if they're afraid to go all-out, so they tip-toe up to the musical numbers. Executive producer Bob Lowry ("Huff") wouldn't even call the show a musical.

"We're a dramatic television show with music," Lowry said.

If not for its late premiere date (previews Oct. 18), I would put money on "Laughlin" as the first fall cancellation.

PARTY! PARTY!

NBC: Held on the rooftop of The Beverly Hilton parking garage -- the same location as NBC Universal's Golden Globes party -- NBC's star party had a good celebrity turnout, particularly from "Heroes." The highlight: "Singing Bee" host Joey Fatone hosting a singing competition. Two TV critics competed against Zachary Levi of the new show "Chuck" and Scott Porter ("Friday Night Lights"). Levi ultimately prevailed.

CBS: The network took us to the lawn Wadsworth Theatre in Westwood for an open-air party, the same location HBO held its "Rome" party two years ago. It was a great working party thanks to major star turnout and a wide open space with low noise, perfect for conducting interviews:

David Conrad: Clad in a bright yellow soccer jersey (sponsored by Mexican bread brand Bimbo) under a jacket, the Pittsburgher was en route back to the 'Burgh on the red eye Friday night. He said he gets back to his hometown twice a month during production of CBS's "Ghost Whisperer," and he's not alone. Conrad said the show's head gaffer is from Peters Township.

Conrad said he's unsure what to expect on the series in its third season. Between seasons one and two, he preferred the first.

"It's a little scientifically complex for me right now," he said. "But as series on it's easier to do because the crew all know one another."

"CSI" creator Anthony Zuiker: He wouldn't say anything about the fate of Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), except that it will "evolve quickly in the first episode."

"Jericho" co-executive producer Dan Shotz: He said executive producer and Pittsburgh native Stephen Chbosky won't be as involved in the show's second season because he's writing a script for an upcoming Julia Roberts film for Fox 2000. The film is called "Daniel Isn't Talking" and is based on the novel of the same name by Marti Leimbach.

Neil Patrick Harris: The "How I Met Your Mother" star was celebrating his Emmy nomination. When told that fellow nominee Rainn Wilson ("The Office") said he could take on all the other nominees in the best support comedy actor category, Harris replied, "Doesn't he wear glasses? Don't you think in a cage match it would be a pretty simple maneuver to debilitate Rainn Wilson?"

Today's Tuned In column has news of the premium cable premiere of Jeff Goldblum's "Pittsburgh." Goldblum played with a band at last week's party for AMC's "Mad Men" and my friend Mary McNamara recorded a bit of the performance, which she said is their rendition of the "Bonanza" theme.

That Wall Street Journal writer who blamed Mister Rogers for an overly developed sense of entitlement among today's younger generations (because Rogers told them they were "special" as children) has backtracked. In a new column, writer Jeff Zaslow spreads the blame around to indulgent parents and consumer culture, which seems lot more accurate than blaming Fred Rogers.

Coming tomorrow: The list of winners of the TCA Awards.