Fox already looking ahead to midseason

Fox’s new fall lineup may look a bit anemic –- J. J. Abrams’ Fringe and comedy Do Not Disturb are the only new shows set to premiere in September –- but Entertainment President Kevin Reilly says at least eight shows are in development for midseason 2009 in addition to the much-anticipated debut of Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse and the return of 24 (starring Kiefer Sutherland, pictured). “We’re in a pretty exciting place,” Reilly told reporters Monday at the summer press tour in Beverly Hills, CA. (Also check out Michael Ausiello’s live blog of the event for EW.com.) “We’ve begun the step toward year-round development, which we have been

experimenting with for some time. Everybody tried to reposition

themselves after the strike. It was obviously damaging, and we haven’t

seen as much product as we normally would. But [regardless of] whether there was a

strike, we would only be putting two shows on in the fall. We just want

to remain stable.”

Meanwhile, Reilly says the network will continue to rely heavily on animated comedies to keep its demographics young, like this season’s new offering, The Cleveland Show, a Family Guy spinoff featuring voiceovers from Mike Henry, Sanaa Lathan, and Nia Long. The network will also remain committed to live-action comedies (note to comedy writers: they’re eager for video presentations that have been posted on You Tube, as well.) As for the returning lineup, Reilly says the 24 prequel this fall will be a self-contained installment that addresses the swearing in of the new president that’ll tease the upcoming season.

Reilly also responded to a question about the content of The Moment of Truth, saying he makes no apologies about the reality show that hooks up contestants to a lie detector machine. “This is Fox,” he said. “We will never give up our DNA.”