The Television Critics Association Press Tour continues this week, with TV networks making their programming presentations to the media with brand new details on their new and returning shows. NBC, Syfy and USA Network already released information on their upcoming slates, and Fox presented on Monday. Here’s the latest:
Fox Programming News
The network is creating its own comedy multiverse with a Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl crossover that will air in a one-hour episode on Oct. 11. The two shows currently air back-to-back on Tuesday nights. Details on the plot have not been revealed, but the episode will take place in New York.
Despite mixed reviews on the recent The X-Files reboot, Fox Entertainment president David Madden says the network is undergoing “significant talks with all three principals” (creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson) for more episodes. Dana Walden, Chairman and CEO of the Fox Television Group said they don’t necessarily anticipate an entire season but would be “really happy” with “eight to ten episodes.”
Fox is banking on the nostalgia and familiarity of existing franchises with their upcoming reboots of 24: Legacy, Prison Break, The Exorcist, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The pilot of Lethal Weapon screened well with test audiences, and stars Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford are poised to bring a new spin to the buddy cop comedy. Tim Curry (the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter) appears in the new film version of Rocky Horror and has given his endorsement of the project.
After the success of Grease: Live, Fox has signed individual first look deals with director Thomas Kail (who also directed the hit musical, Hamilton) and producer Marc Platt. The deal includes possible live-action or scripted projects.
Empire, Fox’s standout music dramedy is heading into its third season with more family, Cookie zingers, and big guest stars. The most notable name making a cameo this season is Mariah Carey, bringing some diva power in the form of Kitty, a character who will collaborate with Jamal on a new song. Other guest stars will include Taye Diggs, French Montana, Kid Cudi, and Xzibit. Executive Producer Ilene Chaiken has also not written off the possibility of a spinoff or crossover with new fall series, Star, about a rising girl band.
Taraji P. Henson will also be heading over to The Simpsons, in the show’s first ever hour-long episode, airing in January. She will voice Praline, (another) dessert-named ex-wife of a music mogul, who Mr. Burns is trying to take down. Keegan-Michael Kay also guest stars in the episode called “The Great Phatsby.”
In other voice news, comedienne Amy Schumer is lending her voice to Sunday’s animation domination line-up. Schumer will play three different characters in the premiere episodes of Bob’s Burgers (a toy shop customer), The Simpsons (Mr. Burns’ mother) and Family Guy (a construction worker). All three shows premiere on Sept. 25.