Cable just concluded two-and-a-half days at the semi-annual TCA Critics Tours staged at the Universal City Hilton Hotel in L.A. (January 8-10).   More than 13 cable networks previewed their upcoming new or returning series along with films and other programming announcements.

Cable networks are embracing green screen productions and several networks shared features currently in the CG production pipeline.  First up, Starz is working on an action drama series Spartacus, slated to premiere summer 2009.  Spartacus is the story, similar in tone to Gladiator, of a slave who became a hero rising to legendary status when he found a conscience and took on the Roman Empire.  Spartacus utilizes the latest green screen technology, computer generated images (CGI).  Thanks to advances, digital intermediate process allows production to reshape images and colors.  Unlike the monochromatic coloring of Sin City or the unrealistic body image distortions depicted in 300, CGI enhancements will take the viewer to the next level.  CGI is good news for the viewer and provides significant cost savings to the programmer. [Editorial note: Spartacus is an actual figure from Roman history, although little is known of him. Howard Fast's 1951 historical novel was turned into the 1960 film starring Kirk Douglas and directed by Stanley Kubrick.]

Current TV had an impressive line-up of new and returning content.  The satirical series InfoMania returns.  This news-format show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload courtesy of today’s media.  InfoMania airs on Current TV every Thursday at 10:00 p.m. (EST) and on-line at the conclusion of each show.  On a serious note, Current TV re-ups Vanguard, a 60 Minutes style documentary program with journalists identifying underreported issues and stories, nationally and internationally.  This show is not for the faint-of-heart, but for viewers who crave factual and honest news from around the Globe.  Vanguard is a weekly feature series.

Another tech-savvy executive, Jeffrey Katzenberg from DreamWorks Animation, has teamed up with Nickelodeon to produce an animated comedy series spin-off Penguins of Madagascar, scheduled to premiere in March 2009.  Using new CGI animation, Penguins of Madagascar picks-up where the hit feature Madagascar:  Escape 2 Africa left off.  The feature will be produced at Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

TLC introduced a new reality series NASCAR Wives, which follows the most popular sport in the US.  Audiences will get an inside glimpse on the families and friends that participate in this weekly sporting event.  Unlike the The Real Housewives of Orange County, this show will share the spouses’ challenges as they balance superstar husbands, raising a family and their own careers.

HBO has a new comedy series, Eastbound & Down premiering February 15.  From executive producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, Eastbound & Down stars Danny McBride (Pineapple Express) as Kenny Powers, a star pitcher whose self-destructive behavior knocks him out of major league baseball and back home to North Carolina teaching Phys Ed at the middle school he formerly attended.

Comedy Central had plenty of high-jinks with Jon Stewart’s announcement of Important Things with Demetri Martin. A stream-of-consciousness sketch and variety show from comedian Demetri Martin (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), scheduled to air February 25 on Comedy Central.  Another comedic series introduced by Comedy Central was Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire.  An outrageous live-action, character-driven show set in an ancient fantasy realm, the series follows reluctant hero Krod Mandoon (Sean Maguire), a thin-skinned and under-confident freedom fighter, who is the last great hope in the struggle against the evil ruler Chancellor Dongalor (Matt Lucas).  From saving the world to bad hair days, the series premieres April 15.