Analyzing the 2016 Fall Schedule: FOX

WEDNESDAY

SHILO’S PREDICTIONS: 8:00 Pitch; 9:00 Empire
CRAIG’S PREDICTIONS: 8:00 24: Legacy; 9:00 Empire
ACTUAL SCHEDULE: 8:00 Lethal Weapon; 9:00 Empire

SHILO: I feel like I get what FOX was going for here and I don’t necessarily hate it. Anything they put in front of Empire is going to get some pre-tune, so they put something with name recognition that could add to whatever bump Empire gives new scripted shows. And where Lethal Weapon is attempting to be a fun, action-y procedural, it’s fairly in line with what the affiliate audience could go for, louder and with a higher ceiling than something like Rosewood. Plus, FOX has talked up the show a fair amount since it was ordered, so this is a slot where they can get it sampled and where it could become fairly competitive if A) people are clamoring for a Lethal Weapon series and B) if said series is good.

I just wonder whether they would be better off using the pre-Empire slot on something wholly original. This is arguably the best slot on FOX when it comes to new dramas and it feels like something that would be of better use to a project not based on recognizable intellectual property, as a Lethal Weapon has the potential to launch elsewhere on the schedule. I mean, I get that Rosewood was original and only did okay, so FOX is looking to find a stronger performer they can shuttle off elsewhere come 2017-2018; I just feel like FOX has ordered enough dramas, more than a few compatible with Empire, that would need the boost from the hip hop soap more than Lethal Weapon could/would.

CRAIG: Although I still don’t even know why the world needs a Lethal Weapon TV series, I have to admit that letting it be the Empire lead-in gives the show the best opportunity to be a hit. Aside from Arrow, there isn’t a lot that’s male and action-oriented in the 8PM Wednesday hour, which could give FOX an opportunity. (I’d assume Blindspot, which is also relocating to Wednesdays at 8, will skew more female.)

As far as trailers go, I’ve seen a lot worse, so, why not let Lethal Weapon fire up Wednesdays at 8? I’m cool with it.

I also admire FOX for keeping Empire on at 9:00. It’s appointment television and best not moved around, so I’m sure the affiliates are happy that their 10 o’clock news gets such a potent lead-in. Additionally, I LOVE that Lee Daniels’ Star will be taking Empire’s place at midseason – similar in tone but a totally different world, and, ideally, the two could run together one day.