So far this season, FOX has had a string of hits with a number of new series including the most acclaimed comedies of the season. With a number of pick ups already ordered, the network still has yet to make its first cancellation of the season with an incoming slew of mid-season series set to debut in a crowded schedule so far. But now, FOX has revealed its early plans once the new year comes around as they have set the return dates for Touch and American Idol along with the series premiere for the new drama The Following. And with the reveal, it seems the fate of The Mob Doctor is sealed.
Kicking off mid-season American Idol will be back once more with a panel of four judges featuring Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban in a two-night premiere. The singing competition bows on Wednesday January 16th with a two-hour night, followed the next night Thursday January 17th with a smaller one-hour outing from 8-9PM.
Just days later, the most buzzed about series of the year winning various bouts of praise from critics debuts as Kevin Williamson’s The Following will enter a normal timeslot on Monday January 21st at 9PM. It’s expected to be paired up with Bones, thus forcing the bubble series The Mob Doctor out of its previously established slot and into the great unknown. Starring Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Maggie Grace and more, the new drama follows a master serial killer who winds up creating an entire cult of killers that the FBI must track down in the process.
Finally after being bumped from its original October premiere, Touch will be taking Fringe‘s timeslot once the sci-fi hit bids farewell in January. Touch will be stepping on on Friday February 1st at 9PM, premiering its second season with actress Maria Bello set to play an important role.
However with a number of comedy hits this season (which includes extra episodes of New Girl, The Mindy Project and Raising Hope), the network is having a little trouble placing its upcoming comedy The Goodwin Games. From the creators of How I Met Your Mother and starring Becki Newton, Scott Foley and more, FOX will set the premiere date for the new series at a later date.
