Upfronts week – that time of year when network executives tell advertisers and the world at large what shows they’ll be airing come the new fall season, and we all start wondering which ones will fail first – is coming to an end. And while, for most people, that means they can start thinking about the future, I’d rather think about the past… and the shows that didn’t make it to a new season.
Ahead of its upfront presentation, the network announced five cancellations, including the comics-based action drama Human Target, and four new series, including J.J. Abrams’ Alcatraz. However, Fox decided not to pick up the buzz-generating adaptation Locke & Key.
Fox’s president comments on the chances for renewal for Fringe, Human Target and Lie To Me, three series that haven’t been burning up the Nielsen charts.
Tim Roth’s Fox drama Lie To Me won’t be getting a full season order this year but, as everyone involved is going to great lengths to point out, this doesn’t mean that it’s been cancelled.
In a surprise move, Fox announced today that it’s renewing Human Target and Lie to Me, two dramas that had been on the bubble for the fall season. As recently as yesterday it was believed the network had room for just one of the series on its schedule.
With only one hour-long slot remaining, Fox execs may be forced to choose between a second season of Human Target and a third of Lie To Me to complete their line-up for next season.
