Next Fall FOX will give new meaning to the phrase “X marks the spot” when the network unveils the much-anticipated American version of the Simon Cowell UK smash THE X FACTOR.
Unfortunately for fans of quality scripted fare, the spot X will mark, particularly if the ominous teaser [above] is any indication, will invariably take up a large chunk of real estate on FOX’s Fall lineup.
After-all, when the network is only responsible for programming a mere 14 hours per week — over half of which is already reserved for guaranteed renewals such as GLEE, BONES, HOUSE, RAISING HOPE, AMERICA’S MOST WANTED, COPS, HELL’S KITCHEN and Sunday’s lineup of “Animation Domination” — the number of timeslots available are at a premium. Add to that a minimum of 2 hours per week (knowing FOX, more than likely 3 or 4) that will be dedicated to THE X FACTOR, the annual tradition that is Major League Baseball’s Fall Classic, and the green-light J.J. Abrams’ ALCATRAZ has already been given and what what’s left is terrifying little room for lowly rated, albeit critically acclaimed shows such as FRINGE and HUMAN TARGET.
Suffice to say, we have a feeling that yesterday’s news that LIE TO ME’s services will no longer be needed for the duration of the 2010-2011 season was just the first causality in what we expect to be a very bloody British invasion.
You’ve been warned. 
