Fox Family Introduces New Programming

[Brett Ferino]

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Fox Family embraced comedy as it announced new programming additions to reporters Friday at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, CA, including two original series. The original programming includes the animated half-hour comedy "Braceface" and the reality series "Scariest Places on Earth," which first appeared on the net as a five-part special.

In addition, Fox Family has acquired the exclusive rights to air the comedy "3rd Rock From the Sun," as well as the broadcast rights for the comedies "Step By Step," "Wonder Years," "Growing Pains" and "Family Matters."

"Braceface," executive produced by actress Alicia Silverstone ("Clueless"), is told through the eyes of eighth grader Sharon Spitz, who is voiced by Silverstone, chronicling the awkwardness of adolescence as she negotiates her way through junior high school.

"'Braceface' typifies Fox Family's unique approach toward programming for kids and teens," said Maureen Smith, president of Fox Family Channel and Fox Kids Network. "The affecting mix of cool humor, hip style and empathetic plot lines point toward an exciting season ahead for the series." The series is slated to premiere in June.

"Scariest Places on Earth" is now a series after first appearing on the net as a five-part reality special. Hosted by horror queen Linda Blair, best known for starring in "The Exorcist," families will get the chance to spend one night in some of the most haunted places in the world, such as the Chillingham Castle used in the first special.

According to a statement, the net has already received applications from all over the country from families explaining why they have what it takes to survive the night alone in some of the world's most terrifying locations. "Scariest" is set to debut Friday, April 6.

Fox Family's window to begin airing "3rd Rock" begins in the fall of 2004, while "Step By Step" will start airing this March, followed by "Wonder Years" and "Growing Pains" that will both go on the air this fall. "Family Matters" joins the Fox Family lineup in the fall of 2003.

In addition, Smith announced that the net will premiere for the first time a 26-week package of nationally televised baseball games throughout the 2001 season. The Major League games will air Thursday nights beginning April 5 at 7:30 p.m., starting with the Atlanta Braves hosting its rivals the New York Mets.

"As a network that targets families, baseball is a natural addition to our growing line-up of quality family-friendly programming," said Smith.

Tom Cosgrove, Fox Family Channel's senior vice president of scheduling and marketing strategies, expressed the hope that baseball would broaden the channel's audience and draw them to other programming.

"A weekly Thursday night baseball event provides a fantastic promotional platform to expose a whole new audience to our smart and innovative original series, specials and movies," he said.

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See ya - BJF
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Kid: My ding-a-ling, My ding-a-ling, I want you to play, with my ding-a-ling.

Skinner: This act is over.

[Jordan]

What happened to "Scariest Places on Earth?" I loved that show but it's been gone for a long time now. Anyone know if it will come back for Halloween at least?

[James]

Didn't that network change its name to ABC Family?

[Cloris Leachman Fan]

Originally posted by James
Didn't that network change its name to ABC Family?

Yes. This is an old subject. I liked it better as Fox Family.