Fox is feeling confident about its fall lineup, bringing back 18 series and introducing six new ones. However, the broadcaster isn’t as confident that the shows will air in the fall.
Despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, the network announced its fall lineup this morning ahead of its upfront presentation—but like in 2022, it chose not to let advertisers know the details around air dates and times.
“Rather than announce a schedule today that we might not be able to meet this fall, we will hold back until we have a better handle on what programming will be available to us,” Dan Harrison, evp of program planning and content strategy, told reporters this morning.
Marianne Gambelli, president of advertising sales, said the company will work with advertisers to accommodate any changes coming in the fall, but previously told Adweek that the company has a strong sports slate that will not be impacted by the writers strike.
Still, the network has a lot to be pleased with heading into the 2023-24 season, as it’s poised to win the coveted adults 18-49 demo after losing the crown to NBC last year.
For the fall, Fox is adding two new dramas, two new unscripted series and two animated comedies.
Action-drama Rescue: Hi-Surf will come mid-season, and Michael Thorn, president of scripted programming, described the series as a “great Fox show” that the company believes could lead to a new franchise.
Also joining the drama slate is medical series Doc, based on the Italian series Doc—Nelle tue mani.
Comedy series Grimsburg had been previously announced during last year’s upfront season, and Krapopolis, from Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon, was first announced in 2021. Both series have already been renewed for multiple seasons and are set to (finally) debut in the coming year.
Returning drama series include franchise favorite 9-1-1: Lone Star, Accused, Alert: Missing Persons Unit and The Cleaning Lady. The original 9-1-1 series is set to air on ABC this fall, but Fox is “really proud” of the franchise. Don’t expect any crossovers with ABC, however.