2011-2012 Fall TV Preview: the New Shows on FOX

FOX is in a relatively comfortable place on network TV. Behind CBS, they're probably the second most secure network. ABC's sort of directionless and NBC is a mess. The CW's not strong enough to be considered equals with the other four networks. FOX has a stable of reliable veteran programs. The shows have aged quite a bit though, so ideally they'd like to launch a crop of new shows that hit with the audience. The big hope for them in the new TV season is the Spielberg produced dinosaur action-adventure drama, Terra Nova. In actuality, the best new shows won't premiere until mid-season for reasons unbeknownst to me. The network's banking on The X Factor in the fall for massive ratings that will destroy any competition from the other networks (I didn't write about The X Factor for the preview). Considering America's affinity for singing competitions and Simon Cowell, The X Factor WILL destroy its competition.

With a number of established shows, the fall slate doesn't include many new shows (only four). So, without further ado, check out what FOX is offering:

ALLEN GREGORY

Created By Andrew Mogel, Jarrad Paul and Jonah Hill

Premiere Date: Sunday, October 30 at 8:30PM

Premise: (from FOX's press release, May 2011) ALLEN GREGORY is a new animated comedy series that tells the story of one of the most pretentious 7-year-olds of our time.

Thoughts: I haven't watched an animated series in some time because Seth McFarlene created every animated program on television (that's an exaggeration). This new animated show from Jonah Hill and David A. Gordon's promising. The trailer's fun. I liked the unexpected crush Allen develops for his principal. I usually enjoy characters who behave older than they are, like Nasim Pedrad's one character on SNL. As smart as Allen Gregory is, he won't be able to avoid the pratfalls of kindergarten when kids exclude him and pick on him nor will he be able to avoid essential seven year old feelings. There's a ton of potential for the series. I won't write about the show but I'm going to watch it.

Chance of Weekly Review: 0%

I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER

Created By Ellen Kreamer and Sherry Bilsing-Graham

Premiere Date: Wednesday, November 23 at 9:30PM

Premise: (from FOX's press release, May 2011) I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER (working title) is a new multi-camera comedy about two best friends who are single moms struggling to raise their difficult and over-privileged teenage daughters.

Thoughts: The series follows the growing-trend of parents who complain and complain about their role as parents and their off-springs. The single moms don't struggle to raise their teenager daughters as much as they struggle to contain them. The show uses broad humor and a laugh track. I didn't laugh once but Jamie Pressley's a charming presence on screen, and her role's perfect. I don't have much interest in watching over-privileged teenagers, though I know there will be a healthy serving of heart each week. I'm sure there's an audience for the program--just not sure how large.

Chance of Weekly Review: 0%

NEW GIRL

Created By Liz Meriweather

Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 20 at 9PM

Premise: (from FOX's press release, May 2011) NEW GIRL (working title) is a new single-camera comedy from Liz Meriwether ("No Strings Attached") that features a young ensemble cast and takes a fresh and outrageous look at modern male/female relationships. JESS DAY (Zooey Deschanel, "(500) Days of Summer") is an offbeat and adorable girl in her late 20s who, after a bad breakup, moves in with three single guys. Goofy, positive, vulnerable and honest to a fault, Jess has faith in people, even when she shouldn't. Although she's dorky and awkward, she's comfortable in her own skin.

Thoughts: There are certainties with Zooey Deschanel's new comedy: she'll be charming and adorable. The girl will also sing. And let's not forget her quirkiness. The characters seem likable. Zooey's adorable-ness will be enough to carry episodes because viewers will just 'aw' at her and gush about how adorable she is. I expect the show to move beyond 'Zooey needs to get her groove back, sexually, with a man' in future episodes. I also expect the friendship between her and 'her coach' to become more romantic and sexual as the series progresses. I might tune in; however, Sarah Michelle Gellar's show will air at the same time, and Sarah owns Zooey.

Chance of Weekly Review: 0%

TERRA NOVA

Created By Craig Silverstein and Kelly Marcel

Premiere Date: Monday, September 26 at 8PM

Premise: TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race.

Thoughts: FOX originally planned to premiere Terra Nova in the fall of 2010. The network wanted to premiere the series in May 2011. Each time, production suffered a mishap or something. Now, the series is ready (sort of ). I'm pessimistic about any TV show that suffers repeated problems in production of one episode. Jose Molina's on the writing staff, which is good because he's one of the best genre writers in TV. I'm sure the series will look terrific. The story itself is 'eh.' I don't understand why a family travels back into dinosaur times following the end of the world. I wonder if the show will follow any rules of time-travel. I never thought the Jurassic Park movies were the bee’s knees. The series is an epic undertaking and I'm skeptical of its sustainability weekly.

Chance of Weekly Review: 0%

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