UpFront 2009 Predictions: FOX Edition

theTVaddict

15 years ago

It’s May, which in case you didn’t know in TV land is kind of a big deal. Not only does it signify the end of the official television season, with the big five networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and the CW) beginning to roll out their big finales (see: our May 2009 calendar.) It also just so happens to be the start of something new. With next week marking the official start of the 2009 UpFronts where ABC, CBS, FOX, CW and NBC will unveil their fall schedule to advertisers at their annual UpFront Presentation.

But before they do, theTVAddict.com editorial team, led by our very own Ken-Tucker-in-training Aleks Chan will be posting our wish list for what we’d like to see announced.

AMERICAN IDOL, so much more than a reality TV juggernaut. As evidence by FOX’s continued success in using their unstoppable ratings behemoth to help launch successful freshman series such as FRINGE and LIE TO ME. Also, falling under good news for the network this season was 24’s Jack Bauer-like ability to bounce back from a critically-lamented sixth season, HOUSE’s penchant for headline-grabbing story-lines (death! hook-ups! dreams!) and BONES’ move to Thursday, which gave the network a surprisingly poignant one-two punch when paired with the foul-mouthed Gordon Ramsay’s HELL’S KITCHEN.

What We’d Like to See:
Unlike its network counterparts (cough*cough*CBS*cough), FOX isn’t afraid of taking chances and gets serious points from us for developing unique high concept shows such as DOLLHOUSE, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and the upcoming comedy/drama hybrid GLEE (from the twisted/brilliant mind of Ryan Murphy). Unfortunately, where FOX drops the ball is in the patience department. Which is exactly what we’d like to see on Monday when FOX announces their new Fall lineup — a little patience for both DOLLHOUSE and TERMINATOR which ended their season’s on unforgettable high notes. And since we’re asking for outlandish favors, can we please bury ‘TIL DEATH six feet under and offer up a funny comedy that isn’t animated.

What We’ll Probably See:
Change we don’t believe in. With TERMINATOR more than likely getting the ax to make room for one or two new shows that FOX undoubtedly hopes will become their next FRINGE or LIE TO ME. And for ‘TIL DEATH to live another day. Giving credence to our theory that star Brad Garrett must be in possession of some highly incriminated photos of one or two FOX executives. We’re just sayin’