TCA Press Tour: Richard Belzer unleashes on NBC

NBC executives: Are your ears burning?

"Law & Order: SVU" actor Richard Belzer participated in a PBS panel today to tell colorful stories about his old friend George Carlin.

But when a journalist asked the actor-comic what he thinks of NBC's recent move to scrap all 10 p.m scripted programming to give Jay Leno a new comedy show every night at that hour, Belzer did not hold back, because, as he put it, he's got a contract that renders him untouchable.

"I just think it’s a network that’s desperate," Belzer said. "It’s the last gasp of a dying network, which can turn out to be brilliant financially. But in terms of writers, actors, producers and other people who work on shows, I think it’s a tragedy, frankly."

Belzer said he expects NBC to schedule "SVU" at 9 p.m. next fall because it's "the only hit dramatic series left on the Peacock."

— Maria Elena Fernandez