Fox's Lineup is Booming, But Which Shows Will Survive the Cut?
The upcoming season at Fox is shaping up to be a nail-biter, but not for the reasons you might think. The network is experiencing a surprising surge in success, with the majority of its scripted shows poised for renewal. This is a welcome change after years of fluctuating fortunes. But here's where it gets interesting: while many shows are thriving, a few still hang in the balance, leaving fans and industry insiders alike wondering what the future holds.
Drama Queens and Comfort Food:
Fox's drama slate is leading the charge. Shows like the sophomore series Doc and Murder In a Small Town are expected to return, with Doc likely securing another hefty episode order after its impressive 22-episode second season. Murder In a Small Town, a Canadian production with a cost-effective model, has proven itself a reliable performer, making it a strong contender for renewal despite its shorter episode count.
These shows, along with animated comedies and unscripted hits like The Floor, contributed to Fox's first entertainment revenue increase in four years during Q4 2025. This success story extends to the network's freshman dramas, Best Medicine and Memory of a Killer, which premiered to impressive numbers, each exceeding 11 million viewers across platforms in their first week, thanks in part to strategic scheduling behind NFL games.
Best Medicine, starring Josh Charles, is considered a sure bet for renewal, boasting consistent viewership and being fully owned by Fox. Memory of a Killer, starring Patrick Dempsey, had a strong debut but has seen a slight dip in ratings since. However, its performance on Hulu keeps it in the running, barring a drastic decline.
A Shift in Genre and a Focus on Familiarity:
Fox seems to have found its sweet spot with feel-good, character-driven procedurals set in small towns, like Doc, Best Medicine, and Murder In a Small Town. These shows resonate with audiences both on linear TV and streaming platforms. Interestingly, Memory of a Killer stands out as the only masculine thriller in the current lineup, harkening back to Fox's past successes like 24 and Prison Break. It's worth noting that all four dramas are based on existing intellectual property, with Doc and Best Medicine drawing inspiration from European formats.
New Blood and Familiar Faces:
Fox isn't resting on its laurels. The network is actively developing new dramas for the upcoming season, including a Baywatch reboot ordered in September and The Interrogator, starring Stephen Fry, which was recently greenlit. Another series pickup is expected, with Katie Greaves (working title) leading the race.
Comedy Conundrums and Animated Staples:
On the comedy front, Fox has two live-action series: Animal Control, entering its fourth season, and Going Dutch, a sophomore show. Both are fully owned by Fox. Animal Control, starring Joel McHale, is a safe bet for renewal, performing well domestically and internationally, even securing a Netflix deal. Going Dutch, however, finds itself in a precarious position as the network's lowest-rated entertainment program. Despite this, the show's star, Denis Leary, is a favorite within Fox, which could sway the decision in its favor, along with scheduling considerations.
Meanwhile, Fox's animated comedies are in a comfortable position. The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad! are all secured for multiple seasons, while Grimsburg, Krapopolis, and Universal Basic Guys have been renewed for the upcoming season.
The Million-Dollar Question: What's Next?
While Fox's current lineup is thriving, the fate of Going Dutch remains uncertain. Will Denis Leary's star power and the network's scheduling needs be enough to save it? And will Memory of a Killer maintain its momentum on Hulu? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: Fox is experiencing a renaissance, and the upcoming season promises to be full of surprises. What shows are you most excited to see return? Which ones do you think are on the chopping block? Let us know in the comments below!
