2018-19 Preview: New Fox series include The Passage, Proven Innocent
When it comes to Fox and their upcoming 2018-19 television schedule, there is one thing that you should know: The network doesn’t have a whole lot of real estate. They’ve brought back the majority of their hour-long shows save for The Exorcist and Lucifer, and while they’ve canceled multiple comedies, they’re also bringing in Last Man Standing. Add to this potentially more Prison Break to the schedule in the future and it’s clear Fox didn’t need to renew too many of their shows. (Remember, Fox is also airing Thursday Night Football in the fall, trimming things further.)
Below, you can read a little bit about some of the new series that are coming on the air, including our quick take on some of them.
Dramas
The Passage
Cast – Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Saniyya Sidney, Vincent Piazza, Brianne Howey, Jamie McShane, Caroline Chikezie, Emmanuelle Chriqui
Logline – A secret government medical facility is experimenting with a dangerous virus that could either cure all disease or cause the downfall of the human race. The series focuses on 10‐year‐old Amy Bellafonte, who is chosen to be a test subject for this experiment, and Brad Wolgast, the federal agent who becomes her surrogate father as he tries to protect her.
Reaction – This is an interesting, high-concept series with an interesting case. The question we have is how this could work beyond a single season.
Proven Innocent
Cast – Rachelle Lefevre, Russell Hornsby, Nikki M. James, Vincent Kartheiser, Riley Smith, Clare O’Connor, Brian d’Arcy James, Francis Guinan, Persia White, Shanesia Davis, Karin Anglin, Caitlin Mehner
Logline – Focuses on a wrongful conviction firm led by a fierce and fearless female lawyer with a hunger for justice. The team reopens investigations, putting their own lives in danger to exonerate the innocent that were “proven” guilty. The leader’s motivation comes from her infamous past; as a young adult she was found guilty and later exonerated in a high-profile case in which she became a tabloid sensation, household name and national celebrity. While a hero and a victim to some, her bold and bullish tactics garner her some enemies— one of whom will do anything to see her go down for a crime we know she did not commit. She defends others as she fights to maintain her own innocence.
Reaction – This is one of the most intense legal dramas out there, one anchored by a fantastic cast and a great team behind the team including Empire‘s Danny Strong.
Comedies
The Cool Kids
Cast – Vicki Lawrence, Martin Mull, David Alan Grier, Leslie Jordan
Logline – Three guy friends in a retirement community are the top dogs until they’re blown out of the water by the newest member of the community – a female rebel who’s ready to challenge their place. It’s high school with seventysomethings.
Reaction – This feels a little like The Golden Girls with a larger male population … not that we mind it. It’s almost counterproductive in a glorious way to feature older characters in an industry that prioritizes adults 18-49.
Rel
Cast – Lil Rel Howery, Sinbad, Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore, Jordan L. Jones
Logline – Lil Rel, a prideful, self-made success who lives by the code to “always believe in yourself and great things will come,” finds that attitude put to the test when he learns his wife is having an affair with his own barber. He tries to rebuild his life post-divorce as a long-distance single father on the South Side of Chicago who’s on a quest for love, respect and a new barber. Inspired by Lil Rel’s real life.
Reaction – This is Fox’s big swing of the season, an attempt to make Lil Rel Howery into a big star with a show that is a comedic take on himself. This could be a revelation if given the proper chance.