The year in TV and debating the usefulness of TCA press tour

Earlier this month, four out of the five broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox) announced they would not be holding executive panels at January's upcoming Television Critics Association press tour. Fox later backtracked and said they would be there after all. The Spin-off crew discusses the utility of the TCA press tours in the age of Twitter, and whether it matters that outlets like Netflix and Amazon are skipping it all together.

Then, we dive into the sliding ratings of this season of The Walking Dead, as well as other shows that experienced a year-end dip. Finally, a year-end Download where we look ahead to 2017, give a shout-out to some of our favorite holiday episodes from across the decades, and pour one out for the TV moms and dads we lost this year, including Growing Pains' Alan Thicke.

End of show Downloads:

Oriana: Keep an eye on Facebook, which just announced they're getting into the original video game. And for holiday cheer, check out the Christmas episode from Season 1 of Veronica Mars.

Joe: The Good Times Christmas episode featuring a talent show with Janet Jackson, who was part of the cast at the time, is a holiday favorite. And Donny & Marie Osmond's Christmas special from 1979 features tons of fun guests in what was a peak year for variety Christmas specials.

Mike: If you're feeling blue heading into 2017, don't despair, there's still exciting television to be had in the new year, including Noah Hawley's Legion, a Twin Peaks reboot and Jon Stewart's new animated HBO show. And for some Christmas TV memories, check out the Family TiesA Christmas Carol take on and the Happy Days where the Fonz finds Christmas cheer with the Cunningham family.