FOX recently unveiled its full broadcasting schedule for the upcoming 2016-17 TV season. In-keeping with the current trends, the network will be returning to deliver some small screen adaptations of classic movies (The Exorcist, Lethal Weapon, Rocky Horror Picture Show), in addition to offering some reboots and revivals of beloved television shows (24: Legacy, Prison Break). Rather refreshingly though, there will also be some original programming (Son of Zorn, APB) in the mix too – in fact, the most ever in FOX’s TV slate history.
To coincide with the announcement, the network released a batch of full-length trailers to help to drum up excitement and promote the shows to a prospective viewing audience. And while we have already taken a closer look at the 24: Legacy and Prison Break trailers, there are a whole crop of trailers for the some of the other series' that appear in the 2016-17 line-up for us to feast our eyes on, starting with the Lethal Weapon trailer (featured above).
Based on the hit movie franchise of the same name, Lethal Weapon follows iconic cop duo Riggs and Murtaugh, as they work a crime-ridden beat in modern-day Los Angeles. From the moment the brash and impulsive Martin Riggs (Clayne Crawford) meets prudent, by-the-book Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans, Sr.) it seems as if this partnership is doomed. But after their first case together, both realize this arrangement might just work out after all – if only Riggs doesn’t get them killed first.
Lethal Weapon will air Wednesdays at 10pm EST as part of the Fall 2016 line up on FOX.
The Exorcist
Widely regarded as the greatest horror movie ever made, Academy Award-nominated The Exorcist terrified audiences around the world. Now, more than four decades later, The Exorcist returns as a contemporary psychological TV thriller following two very different priests tackling one family’s case of terrifying demonic possession. Directed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), the series stars Alfonso Herrera (Sense8) Ben Daniels (House of Cards) and Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Geena Davis (Beetlejuice).
The Exorcist will air Wednesdays at 9pm EST as part of the Fall 2016 lineup on FOX.
Son of Zorn
Hollywood humorists Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie) are developing the live-action/animated series Son of Zorn. Featuring the voice of Jason Sudeikis (Horrible Bosses), the story will follow an animated warrior from a faraway island in the Pacific Ocean, who returns to Orange County, CA, to win back his live-action ex-wife (Cheryl Hines) and teenage son (Johnny Pemberton).
Son of Zorn will air on Sundays at 8.30pm EST as part of the Fall 2016 lineup on FOX.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a brand-new reimagining of the cult-classic midnight movie 40 years in the making, is set to air October 2016. Sweethearts Janet (Victoria Justice) and Brad (Ryan McCartan) stumble upon flirtatious mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s (Laverne Cox) bizarre abode during his annual Transylvanian science convention. The two-hour event also features American Idol alum Adam Lambert, Tony Award winner Ben Vereen and Emmy Award nominee Tim Curry, also known as the original Frank-N-Furter.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show will air on FOX in October 2016.
APB
Inspired by true events, APB is a new police drama with a high-tech twist from executive producer/director Len Wiseman (Underworld) and executive producer/writer Matt Nix (Burn Notice). After billionaire engineer Gideon Reeves (Justin Kirk) witnesses his best friend’s murder, he takes over Chicago’s troubled 13th District and reboots it as a private police force, challenging the district – including an ambitious, street-smart cop (Natalie Martinez) – to rethink everything about the way they fight crime.
APB will air on Mondays at 9pm EST as part of the Midseason 2016-17 lineup on FOX.
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Along with the official schedule and latest round of trailers, Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs of FOX television group, released a statement explaining some of their decisions:
“Next season on FOX, we’ll have more original programming across our schedule than ever before. We’ll use our strong established hits in the fall and SUPER BOWL LI in winter to launch a diverse slate of shows that are unmistakably FOX. We’re proud of our new series, directed and created by some of the most celebrated talent in the entertainment industry. And, we are pleased to be returning to our schedule many of our most beloved shows, including broadcast’s No. 1 series, EMPIRE!”
As the television landscape continues to change and expand, providing more avenues for consumers to watch and interact with media, the demand for content increases. These developments are reflected in FOX’s 2016-17 schedule, which comprises of 90% original programming with three new comedies, six new dramas and two new event series set to join their jam-packed roster. While original content can be advantageous for attracting new viewers to a network, it can also prove to be somewhat of a risk.
Unlike properties set within pre-established franchises, original TV series’ must market their material in a way that will generate a buzz and encourage viewers to tune in for the pilot episode. This can be a challenge in a highly competitive market, but FOX has taken the wise decision to launch their new slate of shows either side of the Super Bowl LI, which will often pull in an average single-night prime time audience of at least 100 million viewers to the network.
Screen Rant will keep you updated on all of the latest developments for FOX’s 2016-17 roster of TV shows.
Source: FOX