@FOXBROADCASTING ANNOUNCES 2012-2013 PROGRAMMING SLATE

FOX recently sent out a press release announced its 2012-2013 programming slate. After the jump we go through the different shows from Animation Domination/ADHD and offer predictions as to what to expect.

SATURDAY

ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF (new) will join late-prime in 2013.

How can one NOT be excited for this deal? Its 90 minutes of Nick Weidenfeld(China, IL, Metalocalypse, Aqua Teen)  executive-produced animation goodness in the same vein as Adult Swim. Already with a property that has been getting stellar underground coverage(Axe Cop) I’m curious about how far can they go with this. Here’s what I mean, Adult Swim is not only known for making awesome programming, but also over the edge style animated/live-action comedy. Properties that you wouldn’t see else where and they are proud. Will FOX allow Nick Weidenfield to push the envelope in the naughty language, high stakes violence, and sometimes crazy sexuality that shows like Metalocalypse, Superjail, and Venture Bros have brought us over the years? Only time will tell.

SUNDAY

7:00-7:30 PM NFL Game (fall) / ANIMATION DOMINATION (encores)

I really wish that FOX would replace the Anidom encores with original programming. Such a pain in the ass sitting through reruns.

7:30-8:00 PM THE OT (fall) / THE CLEVELAND SHOW

Could this be it? Could this be THE last season for The Cleveland Show? We’ve already talked about how FOX is holding off on picking up the show for a fifth season, using a wait-and-see approach to see how the ratings are going to do and then make a decision. I actually do think their are story arcs that could be taken advantage of here that would provide more fruit than lame ass guest stars ever could. Concepts like Roberta going to college and  Junior’s Latino influenced story lines that I believed paved story for some great ideas. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens next.

8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS

As The Simpsons are entering their 24th season one has to wonder how they are going to top all of the craziness surrounding their 23rd season. I actually think of all the shows, The Simpsons have mastered the art of viral marketing when they needed to like when they peg fun of FOX News or if they do a neat couch/chalkboard gag that usually gets the inter webs chatting. Having already started the process of announcing big time guest stars, it will be fun to watch what Springfield’s(not Oregon) lovable family will have in store for us.

8:30-9:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS

That’s right. No Allen Gregory, no Napoleon Dynamite(yet), just Bob’s Burgers. We picked up a few weeks back about some of the episodes to expect like the Christmas special and what have you so we get to see Season 2 finish out but who knows what’s in store for January 2013 for this spot? Again, the only issue I have with this show, is this time slot. I really do feel Bob’s appeals to a younger fan base and would do right if switched up with Cleveland’s slot which I believe would improve ratings for both shows. Having said that, Bob’s ratings do stay steady most weeks so that’s probably what FOX is looking at.

9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY

Family Guy is entering its 10th season and with Seth MacFarlane not having to do anything for Ted anymore nor having to record an album, I would suspect Seth wants to put a lot of effort into this season to make sure its the best. Season 9 gave us a lot of crazy story lines like about domestic abuse, and other social issues that caught the ire of CNN, so one has to wonder what MacFarlane and Co. having up their sleeves for Season 10. Also, could this be the last season where Cleveland and his family AREN’T living across the street?

9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

BOOM! Everyone thought this show was done, but fortunately FOX brass listened and decided to pick up American Dad for a little while longer all the while leaving The Cleveland Show’s status in limbo. I mentioned this in my review of the season finale, that unlike all the other Animation Domination shows, American Dad usually just relies on what happens under their roof for story lines where as everyone else has great characters that work with their respective families. The Simpsons have the Flanders’ of whom made headlines two seasons in a row, Family Guy had Cleveland which spun off but they still have Quagmire and Joe/Bonnie to put together funny change of pace stories that keep the shows fresh, would it be too much to ask for American Dad to do something similar? Also, could Steve surprise the fuck out of everyone with another hit song?