FOX has announced the final season of Emmy Award-winning sketch comedy series MADtv. Now in its 14th year, MADtv will air its 326th and final original episode in May 2009. MADtv airs Saturdays (11:00 PM-Midnight) on FOX.

“MADtv has been one of the longest running series in recent television history,” said Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “The fact that this Emmy Award-winning show has been a FOX mainstay in late-night for 14 years is a testament to the creativity and dedication put forth each week by the talented cast, writers and crew. This was a very difficult decision and we would like to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone at MADtv for making us laugh for over 300 irreverent episodes.”

“Fifteen years ago, MADtv was sold to FOX as a multicultural wall-to-wall pop culture parody series, and now it resonates more than ever given our changing nation,” said David Salzman, Executive Producer, MADtv. “We thank everyone at FOX for believing in MADtv for an unprecedented 326 episodes, and particularly applaud the artistry and passion of the most gifted cast, writers and production team anywhere. We hope that the great interest in this show allows it to carry on in the years ahead.”

Since its debut in October 1995, MADtv has earned four Emmy Awards and 41 nominations, as well as many other awards. The politically incorrect, fast-paced late-night series is best known for its signature characters, celebrity impersonations and pop-culture parodies.

The current MADtv cast is Bobby Lee, Keegan-Michael Key, Nicole Parker, Crista Flanagan, Arden Myrin, Johnny Sanchez, Erica Ash, Matt Braunger, Eric Price and Lauren Pritchard. MADtv has also helped launch the careers of several well-known actors and comedians including Michael McDonald, Alex Borstein, Orlando Jones, Mo Collins, Debra Wilson, Frank Caliendo, Artie Lange, Nicole Sullivan, Will Sasso, Stephnie Weir, Aries Spears and others. The Saturday-night staple has featured wildly popular impersonations of Whitney Houston, Connie Chung, Kenny Rogers, Britney Spears, Ellen DeGeneres and Morgan Freeman. Additionally, the series has brought to life scores of hilarious original characters such as “Stuart,” “Coach Hines,” “Ms. Swan,” “Blind Kung Fu Master,” “The Vancome Lady,” “Mrs. Campbell,” “Lorraine,” “Bunifa,” “Reality Check Girls,” “Mofaz,” “Lida and Melina” and “Dot.”

Over the last 14 seasons, MADtv has featured guest appearances by numerous celebrities including Ryan Seacrest, Queen Latifah, Jessica Simpson, Susan Sarandon, Carlos Mencia, Regis Philbin, Neil Patrick Harris, Shakira, Carmen Electra, Nicole Richie, Mandy Moore, Pamela Anderson, LL Cool J, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tyra Banks, Jessica Alba, Serena Williams, Jay-Z, Halle Berry, Kathy Bates, Don Cheadle, Rebecca Romijn, Missy Elliott and Jeff Probst, among others.

MADtv is a production of Quincy Jones David Salzman Entertainment. The executive producers are David Salzman, Quincy Jones and John Crane.

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE LAUREATES

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE AND DR. WANGARI MUTA MAATHAI

TO RECEIVE CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Nominations To Be Announced Wednesday, January 7

The 40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS will broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The star-studded broadcast, which coincides with the NAACP’s 100th anniversary, is executive-produced by Vicangelo Bulluck and will kick off the organization’s year-long centennial celebration.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai will be awarded the NAACP Chairman’s Award during the special. The Chairman’s Award, chosen by NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

“I am very proud to recognize Former Vice President Gore and Dr. Maathai for their substantial efforts in environmental awareness, sustainable development and peace,” said Bond. “Their courageous and historic accomplishments have benefited not only current but future generations, and they clearly reflect the values that we have so valiantly fought for over the past century.”

“The NAACP has served as a beacon, advancing civil rights for the benefit of all Americans,” commented Former Vice President Gore. “I am so honored to be a part of this historic centennial celebration. The IMAGE AWARDS are made all the more special because I am joined by my friend and colleague, Dr. Wangari Maathai.”

“I am deeply honored and privileged to share this award with Former Vice President Al Gore, my friend and colleague in environmental work,” stated Dr. Maathai. “I am especially honored to be receiving this award from the NAACP, an organization that has been working tirelessly for the dignity and humanity of ethnic minorities, focusing especially on social and economic equality. The election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America is a testament to your mission. As I receive this award, I congratulate and thank you for your vision and commitment to the cause of human dignity.”

“The NAACP marks a historic milestone on February 12, 2009,” added IMAGE AWARDS chair Clayola Brown. “For 100 years to the day, the NAACP has fought to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens. The 40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS and subsequent events will provide important looks back and ahead at the organization, and will recognize the extraordinary talents and accomplishments of the many supporters who have worked to advance our cause.”

Nominations for the annual award show that recognizes the artistic achievements of people of color and honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in the arts will be announced Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Los Angeles. Hosts, performers and presenters of the 40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS will be announced shortly.

Former Vice President Al Gore is chairman of Current TV, an Emmy Award-winning, independently owned cable-and-satellite nonfiction television network for young people based on viewer-created content and citizen journalism. He also serves as chairman of Generation Investment Management, a firm focused on a new approach to sustainable investing. He is the author of bestselling titles “Earth in the Balance” and “An Inconvenient Truth,” and is the subject of an Academy Award-winning documentary. Gore is the co-winner, along with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for “informing the world of the dangers posed by climate change.” He and his wife, Tipper, live in Nashville, TN. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Professor Wangari Muta Maathai is internationally recognized for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation. She has addressed the United Nations on several occasions, and has spoken on behalf of women at special sessions of the General Assembly during the five-year review of the Earth Summit. Dr. Maathai served on the commission for Global Governance and the Commission on the Future. She and the Green Belt Movement have received numerous awards, most notably the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Maathai serves on the boards of organizations including Green Belt Movement International, World Learning for International Development, Green Cross International, Worldwide Network of Women in Environmental Work, Democracy Coalition Project, Global Crop Diversity Trust and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. She also serves as patron to three global campaigns: Congo Basin Forest Fund, Billion Tree Campaign and Mottainai Campaign in Japan.

From 2005-2008, Maathai served as the Presiding Officer of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ECOSOCC was formed to advise the African Union on issues related to African civil society. Dr. Maathai was honored with an appointment as Goodwill Ambassador to the Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem, and was later named co-chair of the Congo Basin Forest Fund, where she serves in an advocacy role for the region’s conservation and protection.

Additional festivities planned for the NAACP’s centennial year include televised specials highlighting the most influential films, music and people from 1909-2009, a commemorative music CD and a photo book. Details about these and other projects will be announced by the NAACP in the coming months.

Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit naacpimageawards.net.

“24” IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE WITH TWO-NIGHT, FOUR-HOUR EVENT

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 AND MONDAY, JAN. 12

“AMERICAN IDOL” RETURNS WITH TWO-NIGHT, FOUR-HOUR PREMIERE

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 AND WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14

INTRIGUING NEW DRAMA “LIE TO ME” DEBUTS WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21

JOSS WHEDON’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ACTION-THRILLER

“DOLLHOUSE” LAUNCHES FRIDAY, FEB. 13

GORDON RAMSAY’S “HELL’S KITCHEN” STARTS COOKING

THURSDAY, JAN. 29

HOUSE Shifts To Mondays Starting Jan. 19;

BONES Moves To Thursdays Jan. 15;

TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES Travels

To Fridays Feb. 13;

HOLE IN THE WALL Finds Its Fit on Sundays Beginning Jan. 18

The wait is almost over as FOX announces premiere dates of new and returning series as well as revisions to its 2008-2009 midseason schedule.

January starts with the not-to-be-missed blockbuster premieres of 24 and AMERICAN IDOL. As previously announced, the non-stop action begins and a new day dawns for JACK BAUER (Kiefer Sutherland) when 24 returns with an explosive two-night, four-hour season premiere Sunday, Jan. 11 and Monday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 show, returns for Season Eight with a two-night, four-hour premiere event Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Wednesday, Jan. 14 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

All-new episodes of HOUSE, BONES, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and HOLE IN THE WALL will air on new nights in midseason. Get real on Mondays with all-new episodes of HOUSE leading into real-time drama 24. Emmy-winning medical drama HOUSE moves to Mondays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and has its time period premiere Jan. 19 followed by the time period premiere of 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

FRINGE, the No. 1 new series of the season among Adults 18-49, will air in its regular time period Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) after AMERICAN IDOL starting Jan. 20.

LIE TO ME, the compelling new drama from the producers of 24, debuts Wednesday, Jan. 21 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) after AMERICAN IDOL and stars Tim Roth (“The Incredible Hulk,” “Reservoir Dogs”) as DR. CAL LIGHTMAN, the world’s leading deception expert who studies facial expressions and involuntary body language to discover not only if someone is lying, but why. When someone shrugs one shoulder, rotates a hand or raises the lower lip, Lightman knows he’s lying. Based on the real-life scientific discoveries of Paul Ekman, the series follows Lightman and his team of deception experts as they assist law enforcement and government agencies to expose the truth behind the lies.

BOOTH (David Boreanaz), BRENNAN (Emily Deschanel) and the Jeffersonian team will continue to dig up more murders when BONES moves to Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) beginning Jan. 15 followed by more all-new episodes of KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). On Thursday, Jan. 29 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), Chef Gordon Ramsay steps into another kitchen to serve up a fifth course of HELL’S KITCHEN, the unscripted series that puts wannabe restaurateurs through a rigorous one-of-a-kind culinary boot camp.

On Friday, Feb. 13, FOX presents a thrilling new action-packed lineup featuring the return and time period premiere of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and the highly anticipated series premiere of Joss Whedon’s DOLLHOUSE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). DOLLHOUSE reunites Whedon with Eliza Dushku (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), who stars as a member of a highly illegal underground group of individuals who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas.

Saturday staples COPS (8:00-8:30 and 8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) and AMERICA’S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) continue in their regular time periods with all-new episodes. MADtv (11:00 PM-Midnight ET/PT) and TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN (Midnight-12:30 AM ET/PT) continue their late-night laughs with a mix of encore and original episodes.

Sundays find the right fit with the time period premieres of back-to-back episodes of HOLE IN THE WALL (7:00-7:30 and 7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) beginning Jan. 18.  Following HOLE IN THE WALL, Animation Domination continues with a mixture of encore and all-new episodes of THE SIMPSONS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), KING OF THE HILL (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), FAMILY GUY (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and AMERICAN DAD (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).

RECAP – FOX MIDSEASON SCHEDULE

(All times ET/PT except as noted)

MONDAY

Monday, Jan. 5:

7:30 PM-CC ET            TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL (LIVE)

Monday, Jan. 12:

8:00-10:00 PM             24 (Season Premiere, Part 2)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 19:

8:00-9:00 PM            HOUSE (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            24 (Time Period Premiere)

****************************

TUESDAY

Tuesday, Jan. 13:

8:00-10:00 PM            AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 20:

8:00-9:00 PM            AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            FRINGE

****************************

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, Jan. 14:

8:00-10:00 PM            AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 2)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 21:

8:00-9:00 PM            AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            LIE TO ME (Series Premiere)

***************************

THURSDAY

Thursday, Jan. 1:

7:30 PM-CC ET            FEDEX ORANGE BOWL (LIVE)

Thursday, Jan. 8:

7:30 PM-CC ET            FEDEX BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (LIVE)

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 15:

8:00-9:00 PM            BONES (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 29:

8:00-9:00 PM            BONES

9:00-10:00 PM            HELL’S KITCHEN (Season Premiere)

***************************

FRIDAY

Friday, Jan. 2:

7:30 PM-CC ET            ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL (LIVE)

Friday, Jan. 9:

8:00-10:00 PM            FOX MOVIE SPECIAL: BRUCE ALMIGHTY

Fridays, beginning Jan. 16 (no change to lineup):

8:00-9:00 PM             ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5^th GRADER?

9:00-10:00 PM            DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!

Fridays, beginning Feb. 13:

8:00-9:00 PM            TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES

(Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            DOLLHOUSE (Series Premiere)

***************************

SATURDAY

Saturdays, beginning Jan. 3 (no change to lineup):

8:00-8:30 PM             COPS

8:30-9:00 PM            COPS

9:00-10:00 PM            AMERICA’S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK

11:00 PM-Midnight            MADtv

Midnight-12:30 AM            TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

***************************

SUNDAY

Sunday, Jan. 11:

8:00-10:00 PM             24 (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Sundays, beginning Jan. 18:

7:00-7:30 PM            HOLE IN THE WALL (Time Period Premiere)

7:30-8:00 PM            HOLE IN THE WALL (Time Period Premiere)

8:00-10:00 PM            ANIMATION DOMINATION

(THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD)

[EDITOR’S NOTE: PRISON BREAK and ‘TIL DEATH will return to the schedule at a later date.]

Greetings everyone!

Our J!-ENT spotlight article by Dennis A. Amith on the upcoming “24: Redemption” 2-hour prequel special is available for download. Check it out by downloading it here!

Photos Shot While on Location in South Africa by Show’s Creative Team

Including Star/Executive Producer Kiefer Sutherland on Display Through January 11

Exhibit Kicks Off November 10 with Star-Studded Opening

Two-Hour Television Event Premieres November 23 on FOX;

Director’s Cut DVD in Stores November 25

October 17, 2008 – Last spring, FOX announced that after a nearly two-year hiatus, 24 would return to the airwaves with 24: REDEMPTION, an unprecedented two-hour television event shot on location in South Africa and Los Angeles. Now as the producers ready this epic tale for broadcast, they are unveiling a never-before-seen collection of stunning photographs shot by five members of the show’s creative team during the overseas filming. “24: REDEMPTION – Captured in Africa” is a rare inside look at the making of the show composed of candid moments between cast and crew, including Emmy Award-winner Kiefer Sutherland; dramatic stills from the spectacular action sequences; and vivid photographic captures of the scenic South African locations. The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles will host the one-of-a-kind photo exhibit of fine art museum quality archival prints from Nov. 10, 2008 through Jan. 11, 2009, when it may move on to additional venues to be announced later.

Curated by Entertainment Weekly deputy photo director Michael Kochman and custom printed at DigitalFusion’s fine art printing facility, the exhibit features works by executive producer/director Jon Cassar, director of photography Rodney Charters, producer Michael Klick, unit photographer Kelsey McNeal and star/executive producer Kiefer Sutherland.

“I was so impressed with the quality of the photography, and it was exciting to see a production photographed from five different perspectives,” said Kochman. “Each photographer captured something very special and poetic – sometimes intimate, sometimes epic, sometimes documentary-like and raw. It all adds up to a fascinating photographic experience.”

“Shooting 24: REDEMPTION in South Africa was the highlight of my six years on the show,” said 24 executive producer and Emmy Award-winning director Jon Cassar. “It was nothing short of exhilarating. Africa also became a wonderful canvas for the still photography enthusiasts among our crew. Every day put us in places and situations that were new and exciting to us, and our cameras clicked constantly. This exhibit chronicles the seven weeks that were spent in Cape Town and the surrounding regions from moments captured during a hectic shooting schedule to the faces and places that represent not only the making of 24 but the Africa of today.”

“We are so excited to be the first to host this extraordinary photo exhibit from one of today’s most popular television shows, 24, which offers another unique way to connect the creative community with media enthusiasts here at the Paley Center,” said Barbara Dixon, vice president and director of The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles. “This exhibit is going to have enormous appeal to everyone from the most serious photography aficionado to the most passionate 24 fan. And what better place to showcase exclusive behind-the-scenes content from such a genre-defining television show than in our gallery at the Paley Center?”

A private opening for press and invited guests, sponsored by DigitalFusion and Photobucket, kicks off the exhibit’s run on Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 PM at The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles. 24: REDEMPTION cast and crew members, including star Kiefer Sutherland, are scheduled to appear in addition to the exhibit photographers. Beginning that night, visitors to photobucket.com can view exclusive highlights of the exhibit as well as additional photographs. They will also be able to access a 24: REDEMPTION-themed background to customize their Photobucket albums.

“24: REDEMPTION – Captured in Africa” opens to the general public Wednesday, Nov. 12 and runs through Jan. 11, 2009, and is included in the free admission to the Paley Center. The Paley Center for Media, located at 465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, is open 12:00-5:00 PM Wednesdays through Sundays. The center is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission and parking are free.

On Sunday, Nov. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), FOX will broadcast the two-hour television event 24: REDEMPTION, and on Tuesday, Nov. 25, Fox Home Entertainment will release the 24: REDEMPTION DVD. The special edition DVD includes an exclusive director’s cut featuring over ten minutes of never-before-seen footage not shown in the television broadcast, as well as additional bonus features including commentary, a behind-the-scenes on-location documentary and an exclusive sneak peek at Season Seven including the first 16 minutes of the premiere episode. Celebrating its 150^th episode this year, 24 returns this January for its seventh season Mondays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Game Brings Epic Battle Between Humans and Machines

Online and to iPhone and iPod Touch

Game enthusiasts and TERMINATOR fans alike can now be at the center of the battle between humans and the machines with “Ambush,” a game based on TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, the hit series that airs Mondays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. “Ambush,” a free massive multi-player online (MMO) game, can be played at www.fox.com/terminator/ambush. The first MMO playable on iPhones and iPod Touch devices, “Ambush” is currently available for download at the Apple App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore.

“Ambush” pits human against machine. Players choose to engage as a human or a Terminator in the fight to protect or eliminate Skynet, the computer system programmed to destroy the world. The player’s goal is to predict the movement of his enemies throughout the virtual city and then set traps to terminate them, all while remaining undetected by other players. iPhone players survive within the virtual city by using their GPS function to avoid traps set by their online opponents. Log in and join the battle at www.fox.com/terminator/ambush.

This season on TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, life for the Connors intensifies as their relationships are challenged and the dynamics of their roles begin to change. As they continue to hunt down Skynet (in order to stop the annihilation of the human race), JOHN CONNOR (Thomas Dekker) must confront his destiny to become the leader he’s meant to be. Struggling with John’s independence, SARAH CONNOR (Lena Headey) is as desperate as ever to protect him from Skynet and prepare him for the future. John’s new friend RILEY (Leven Rambin) challenges CAMERON (Summer Glau), John’s cyborg protector, for his affection while ELLISON (Richard T. Jones) finds himself embroiled with a T-1001, CATHERINE WEAVER (Shirley Manson). Also this season, the future begins to haunt DEREK REESE (Brian Austin Green), and CROMARTIE (Garret Dillahunt) comes face-to-face with John Connor.

“Ambush” was created by FOX in collaboration with 65 Media. Honored by advertising and entertainment industries worldwide, 65 Media is an award-winning interactive marketing agency based in Marina Del Rey, CA, that has been providing creative innovation for more than a decade. Specializing in brilliant marketing campaigns, online communities and games, 65 Media’s progressive technology, strategic solutions and think-tank philosophy have made it the first choice for stellar companies worldwide. To learn more about the making of “Ambush” or to see 65 Media’s full portfolio or work, visit www.65media.com.

THE SIMPSONS: Bart gets a job at a country club retrieving golf balls so he can buy a cell phone like the rest of the kids. When Bart accidentally finds Denis Leary’s (guest-voicing as himself) cell phone, he keeps it to make prank calls and negotiate big career moves. When Leary finds out what happened, he sends Bart and the Simpson family on a wild goose chase all the way to Machu Picchu in the “Lost Verizon” episode of THE SIMPSONS airing Sunday, Oct. 5 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. THE SIMPSONS ™ and © 2008 TTCFFC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Nine Additional Episodes Ordered of Season’s No. 1 New Series

Among Adults 18-49

All-New Episodes Return Tuesday, Oct. 14

FOX has ordered an additional nine episodes of the critically acclaimed thriller FRINGE, bringing the series to a full season order, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company.

“We’re having a blast working on this show with this great team of producers and amazing cast,” said Reilly. “The series has really taken off creatively, and it’s exciting to see that the audience is responding. We believe this is the first full season of many years to come.”

FRINGE has captivated audiences this fall, winning its Tuesday time period weekly among key demographics and ranking as the No. 1 new series in primetime among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Teens. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, FRINGE dominated its time period by posting a 4.3/11 among Adults 18-49, which was an increase over the previous week’s airing by +5% (vs. 4.1/10), and growing +6% in Total Viewers (10.0 vs. 9.4 million).

On Tuesday, Oct. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), FRINGE returns with a high-voltage episode as the unlikely trio investigates the cause of a fatal elevator accident that had some very unusual circumstances. They discover a connection to a dangerous man whose developing abilities point to a bigger threat. Meanwhile, Olivia has a highly charged encounter of her own when she is rocked by someone from her past, and Dr. Bishop turns to a methodology Peter thinks is for the birds to help break the case.

Created by J.J. Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, FRINGE stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick, Kirk Acevedo, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole with Mark Valley and John Noble. The series is produced by Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.  Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci, Jeff  Pinkner and Bryan Burk serve as executive producers.

FOX has given a series commitment to LIE TO ME, a compelling new drama from Imagine Television and 20^th Century Fox Television. Tim Roth (“The Incredible Hulk”) and Kelli Williams (“The Practice”) star in this fascinating character drama inspired by a real-life specialist who can read clues embedded in the human face, body and voice to expose the truth behind the lies in criminal investigations. LIE TO ME is scheduled to premiere midseason.

When you scratch your chin, wring your hands, wrinkle your nose or swallow too much, Dr. Cal Lightman (Roth) knows you’re lying. He doesn’t just think so – he knows so. As the foremost deception expert in the country, Dr. Lightman can uncover the deepest secrets and crack the hardest cases. More accurate than any polygraph, he knows whether those in front of him – be they family, friends, criminals or complete strangers – are honest or not.

Dr. Lightman heads up The Lightman Group, a private agency contracted by the FBI, local police, law firms, corporations and private individuals when they hit roadblocks in their searches for the truth. Joining him at the agency are a variety of experts in the field of behavioral evaluation: Dr. Gillian Foster (Williams) is a gifted psychologist and Lightman’s professional partner, a woman whose guidance he needs whether he knows it or not; Will Loker (Brendan Hines) is Lightman’s lead researcher who practices “radical honesty” at all times; and Ria Torres (Monica Raymund) is the newest member of the team, selected for her innate ability to read body language and catch certain clues that her colleagues may miss.

Samuel Baum, Brian Grazer, David Nevins and Steve Maeda serve as executive producers on the series, which is produced by Imagine Television and 20^th Century Fox Television. Robert Schwentke directed the pilot.

Homer Simpson from THE SIMPSONS, Hank Hill from KING OF THE HILL,

Peter Griffin from FAMILY GUY and Stan Smith from AMERICAN DAD

Make FOX Sunday Football Picks

FOX’s Sunday-night lineup kicks off Sept. 28 with the season premieres of THE SIMPSONS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), KING OF THE HILL (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), FAMILY GUY (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and AMERICAN DAD (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). Armchair quarterbacks Homer Simpson, Hank Hill, Peter Griffin and Stan Smith have tackled the NFL with their picks for this Sunday’s games.

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Peter Griffin (FAMILY GUY): Cleveland has a team named after him already?! We’ve been on the air for ten freakin’ years, and I can’t even get a fantasy team to take the name “Peter Griffins.” Good luck with the new show, buddy! My pick: Browns.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Homer Simpson (THE SIMPSONS): I overheard a guy saying he thinks “Jacksonville could win it all this year.” I also heard the same guy say “Get away from me, Homer!” and “Quit listening to me, or I’ll punch you.” So, clearly this guy knows what he’s talking about. My pick: Jacksonville.

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Homer Simpson: Kansas City has good barbecue. Denver has good skiing. So I guess what we have here is the age-old debate of barbecue versus skiing – and barbecue always wins. My pick: Kansas City.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

Homer Simpson: Even though both cities playing have names that end with “a,” Atlanta would come first in a phone book (according to Lisa), and as anyone knows, the phone book lists things by how good they are. Like the “AAAA Pizza” we always order from, and the “AAAAAA Dentist” we send the kids to. So, until Atlanta plays Arizona, stick with the best. My pick: Atlanta.

Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Jets

Stan Smith (AMERICAN DAD): John McCain is as Arizona as it gets, and even with his broken arms I’d still trust him on the field over Favre the flip-flopper. My pick: Cardinals.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints

Stan Smith: I never understood why San Francisco even has a team. The whole town’s out buying Capri pants and leather sandals. Who’s even got time for football? Harry Connick-town, it is. My pick: Saints

Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hank Hill (KING OF THE HILL): I think the Buccaneers are gonna send Green Bay packing. Heh heh. FOX should get me to do the pre-game show. My pick: Tampa Bay.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans

Homer Simpson: Two of the top-rated defenses in the league face-off against each other. You know what that means…BO-RING! This game will be lamer than watching two clergymen exchange oatmeal recipes. Oh, wait…it’s on FOX. Forget what I said, it’s gonna be awesome! My pick: Minnesota.

San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

Hank Hill: Silver and black versus powder blue and yellow. Sounds like the Terminator versus the Avon Lady. But that being said, I’ve got to go with the Avon Lady. My pick: San Diego.

Buffalo Bills vs. St. Louis Rams

Stan Smith: Two of the finest, most beautiful and dynamic American cities are on display here: Buffalo and St. Louis. But you know who has bills ultimately? Ducks. And if you’re ducking in football, you’re missing the ball. You win games by catching balls, not ducking out of the way. You know what I mean, friends? They’ll be celebrating on the Arch after this one. My pick: St. Louis.

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Hank Hill: This is obviously the game of the week! Anybody think the Redskins are gonna beat the Cowboys? Now that’s fantasy football. My pick: Dallas.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

Peter Griffin: The only thing on the rise for the Eagles this season is Andy Reid’s cholesterol, and a visit to Chicago sure isn’t going to help. What happens in Chicago doesn’t stay in Chicago, Andy. It usually gets clogged in your left ventricle. My pick: Bears.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Homer Simpson: Another game? Seriously, how many of these are there? And this one is between two places I’ve never heard of. If you have something serious to discuss, I’ll be drunk in my hammock. My pick: None.

-FOX-