2014-2015 Schedule Reactions: FOX

We’re almost done with our run of analysis articles about the new TV schedules from the networks… today, we look at what the FOX said.

FOX’s new Fall schedule is quite different from previous years, as there is no X Factor and therefore, several time slots opened up. There are also several high-profile projects launching this year, including Gotham and Broadchurch adaptation Gracepoint.

Analyzing the schedule today, again, are Shilo Adams and Craig Byrne. Let’s gets started!

SUNDAY

Shilo’s Picks: 7:30 The OT, 8:00 The Simpsons, 8:30 Bob’s Burgers, 9:00 Family Guy, 9:30 Bordertown
Craig’s Picks: 7:30 The OT, 8:00 The Simpsons, 8:30 Bob’s Burgers, 9:00 Family Guy, 9:30 Bordertown
Actual Schedule: 7:30 Bob’s Burgers, 8:00 The Simpsons, 8:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 9:00 Family Guy, 9:30 Mulaney

SHILO: Aside from the brief existence of Sons of Tucson in 2010, the last time FOX’s Animation Domination aired scripted live-action content was 2006 with The War at Home, so it’s no wonder we both thought the night would remain all-animation for yet another year. I thought that there could maybe be one scripted show sneak onto the fall lineup, assuming Bordertown either wasn’t ready or wasn’t good enough, but two live-action series is a definite surprise. I get the reasoning behind it, since both Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Mulaney will be behind some of the highest-rated M18-34 series on television, but Mulaney doesn’t seem like a good match for Family Guy in terms of tone and I don’t know how many ways FOX is going to bend over for Brooklyn Nine-Nine before giving up.

The cop comedy already won two Golden Globes, received a post-Super Bowl airing, and moved behind the top live-action comedy on the network, in addition to receiving considerable promotional support and critical acclaim, so if it can’t significantly rebound from its late season one ratings levels, its move to Sunday might not be worth the trouble. Plus, it leaves Bob’s Burgers stranded in the Futurama/Cleveland Show 7:30 slot in the fall when FOX should be leaning into animation rather than distancing itself from the form.

CRAIG: I totally understand why FOX is trying to get Brooklyn Nine-Nine to break out – it’s getting them critical acclaim, it’s gotten awards, and it’s a sold half-hour that could have long-term profit for them. Live action to go with animation hasn’t really happened on FOX for a while, but waaayyy back in the day I remember when FOX Sundays included The Simpsons and Married… With Children and it is awesome. And also, let’s be honest, I don’t think Brooklyn Nine-Nine would really stand out on a night that includes Dads and The Mindy Project. (I do like New Girl, though I haven’t seen it in a very long time).

We shall see, though, about future animation domination… I’m sure their time is not yet completely passed.

Navigate below to read our thoughts on the rest of the week: