Network Upfronts — FOX

This week is network Upfronts — a time when the networks unveil their schedule for the fall, including what shows are returning, what new shows have been added, and where everything will run in the fall. As these presentations are made, I'll be offering my thoughts on each network's offering.

Today's entry is for FOX. The network is trying something different this year — going to more event TV, limited run series, and year round programming. FOX has tried that before, so we'll have to see how it works. Personally, I think it's a bold move that makes sense.

Best Pick Up: On paper, looking at ratings, it would have been easy to deem "The Mindy Project" a failure. It isn't great in the ratings, even in the 18-49 demographic. However, if you've been watching the show all season, you've seen growth and progress. Sometimes shows get lost in the shuffle but display enough promise to warrant patience. Networks don't usually show patience, but FOX did with "The Mindy Project." It will be fun to see how that pays off.

Best Scheduling Move: FOX has obviously been considering what works for Cable — year round programming, shorter run shows, and no repeats. The works for its cable network FX, and FOX appears to be taking that to heart. "Glee," which is aging and struggling, will be split into two halves. "The Following," a show that doesn't work in the traditional network sense, is being given a half season order. And several other shows are getting short runs in the fall, winter, or spring. This makes sense.

Most Disappointing Scheduling Move: The Tuesday night comedy block didn't work this year. In fact, though I liked 75 percent of it, the block killed a lot of promising shows. "New Girl" went from being the hot show to struggling in the ratings, and I already mentioned "Mindy's" lack of ratings success despite promise. Most figured FOX would switch it up. They didn't. Now "New Girl" and "The Mindy Project" will again cap a two hour comedy block, this time with some curious choices kicking off the night. My prediction is this could again stymie the ratings progress of the best two comedies on TV.

Most Promising New Show: "Almost Human," a fun sci-fi drama with a good cast from the J.J. Abrams factory, looks like the best for FOX. The fact that it doesn't air until a bit into the season — when it will take over the Monday at 8 p.m. slot from "Bones" — is the problem. FOX only has three new shows airing right out of the gate, and none of them look great. It could be another fall of early struggles for FOX.

Least Promising New Show: None of the three premiering in the fall look great. That being said, this year's "Mob Doctor" award goes to "Sleepy Hollow." The show airs in a Monday night at 9 p.m. death slot (likely opposite "The Voice," "Dancing With The Stars," and CBS comedies), and it has a ridiculous premise. Ichabod Crane travels through time to the modern era and has to adjust. How hears that pitch and orders a pilot? There's thinking out of the box, then there's this show. Not sure how they picked it, but I don't see it lasting.