The Future of US TV – FOX

Today we take a look at upcoming shows on US network FOX. To set the scene FOX has just one regular sitcom, Raising Hope, but also all of Seth MacFarlane’s cartoon comedies and The Simpsons to boot. In the drama department FOX is strong with Glee, Bones, Fringe and House. What it needs are a couple more sitcoms and maybe a few new dramas to replace its veterans before they leave. Let’s see what they have coming…

Alcatraz
What it is: Way back when, all prisoners in Alcatraz disappeared without a trace, now they’re turning up in 2011 committing crimes with signs of a big plan. Sam Neill brings the gravitas.
Our verdict: Could be a new Lost, or a new FlashForward.
On the digibox: Five would lap this up if they can fend off Sky.

Allen Gregory
What it is: An animated comedy about a very grown up little boy, created by and starring Jonah Hill.
Our verdict: Possibly amusing to watch but not destination TV. Like Stewie Griffin a few years on.
On the digibox: Comedy Central? BBC3?

Napoleon Dynamite
What it is: Another animation, because FOX seem to think they are Cartoon Network. Spin off from the MTV movie with the entire original cast.
Our verdict: I enjoy the film when I’m in the right mood but how it will stretch to a sitcom has yet to be seen.
On the digibox: MTV would be its natural home.

The New Girl
What it is: Zooey Deschanel stars as a broken hearten woman who moves in with three guys in order to move on with her life.
Our verdict: We love Zooey and we’ve never seen her do such broad comedy. Regular Zooey is a hard prospect to turn down.
On the digibox: Sky or E4. Or Channel 4 could rebuild their Friday night comedy offering.

I Hate My Teenage Daughter
What it is: Two middle-aged women hate their daughter and get raucous.
Our verdict: It’s all so loud! Probably going to be popular so get used to the E4 guy promoting it.
On the digibox: E4

Terra Nova
What it is: In an ill-advised move to combat extinction, scientists send humans back to prehistoric times to start a new colony, thereby making us all our own grandparents. Also, there are dinosaurs.
Our verdict: Could be interesting depending on how well the dinosaurs are done. Don’t see it lasting long.
On the digibox: ITV2

The Finder
What it is: A forced spin-off from Bones, we have a show about a man who is great at finding things.
Our verdict: It wasn’t the greatest episode of Bones and Saffron Burrows has a terrible English accent, despite being English.
On the digibox: Sky could get it to pair with Bones otherwise no one with be fighting for it.