Fox orders Andy Samberg, Alexis Biedel, and Christopher Meloni comedies
In an age in which so many networks are relying heavily on reality TV in order to stay competitive in the ratings, Fox is doing something a little bit different. They are showing a continued willingness to keep on banking on scripted shows.
For the latest example of that, just check out the fact that in addition to the four dramas that the network ordered today, they also picked up four comedies. This means that they will have six new hours of TV to schedule in, which is quite a bit considering that their major needs really consist of one half-hour and two or three hour-long dramas. Nonetheless, can you really blame Fox for being a little aggressive with the pick-ups considering some of the talent that they have on board? First, Greg Kinnear … and now this.
Take a look at the new comedies picked up today below. “Dads,” from Seth MacFarlane, was already ordered so it is not included here.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” – Our favorite comedy pilot right now on any network. Andy Samberg stars as a cop who doesn’t take anything seriously, and he is quickly paired with a man who tries to teach him respect on the force. Andre Braugher (“Men of a Certain Age”) and Terry Crews are just two people in this great cast.
“Enlisted” – Geoff Stults has not had a ton of luck with TV shows as of late, so maybe this comedy about three brothers who spend time together on an Army base is where things will change. The hope here is for it to draw male viewers, but the problem here is that like with “Ben & Kate,” there are no big stars.
“Surviving Jack” – We liked the original title of “I Suck at Girls” better, but the show still has Christopher Meloni starring in what is a coming-of-age story for both a father and his son set in the 1990s, which is a perfect setting for many folks in the 18-49 demographic. Smart move, Fox.
“Us and Them” – This is the comedy with the super-weird thought of Alexis Biedel doing something with Jason Ritter that her former “Gilmore Girls” mom in Lauren Graham already did: Play his love interest. On this show, they try to start up a long-term relationship while their friends are forced to deal with it.
All of these shows, with the exception of the aforementioned “Dads,” are in the single-camera format.
If you want to take a close look at all of the dramas, you can do so over here.
Photo: Fox