NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fox Broadcasting on Thursday rolled out a fall television schedule that adds a science-fiction thriller from one of TV's hottest producers, and a workplace comedy, to a lineup that is already tops with viewers.
Among the major broadcast networks, the News Corp unit is clearly sitting in the catbird seat, finishing out a season as the most watched network -- both overall and with younger viewers -- thanks to its blockbuster "American Idol."
Supporting "American Idol" is a roster filled with hits like "House" and "Bones," not to mention the countdown thriller "24," set to return after its current season was thwarted by the screenwriters' strike.
With a lineup that strong and a development season that was abbreviated by the strike, Fox decided to add just two new shows this fall.
"We looked at our schedule and thought we don't need a lot, and the good news is we got what we need," Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said on a call with reporters.
Fox is putting big publicity behind "Fringe," a new science-fiction drama from J.J. Abrams, the force behind the popular castaway thriller "Lost" on Walt Disney Co's ABC. He was also behind past audience favorites "Alias" and "Felicity."
"There are high expectations for this," said Reilly. "The guy delivers on those expectations."
"Fringe," a thriller about three characters who uncover a mystery they fear is part of a large and terrifying pattern, will be teamed on Tuesday nights with medical drama "House."
