TCA: Fox Developing Limited Series From M. Night Shyamalan

Announces first lineup for "Animation Domination High-Def" block

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/8/2013 12:16:39 PM

Complete Coverage: TCA Winter Press Tour 2013

Pasadena, Calif. - Fox is getting into the long-form event series business, on Tuesday announcing the development of two limited series projects, Wayward Pines and Blood Brothers, at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.

The network plans to order its first pilot(s) later this year with a 10- to 12-part series to debut in 2014.

Wayward Pines, from M. Night Shyamalan and FX Productions, is a thriller in the vein of Twin Peaks about a Secret Service agent searching for two missing federal agents in a small Idaho town. Blood Brothers is based on the true story of the West Point class of 1861, best friends who found themselves on opposite sides of the Civil War conflict. The series is written by Bruce C. McKenna (Band of Brothers).

Additionally, Fox's new alternative animated programming block, "Animation Domination High-Def," will premiere Saturday, July 27 at 11 p.m. ET.

Its first 15-minute series include Axe Cop, based on the graphic novel; High School USA!, from Community's Dino Stamatopoulos; and the Untitled Lucas Brothers Project from identical twin comedians Kenny and Keith Lucas. Fox has ordered six episodes of each series.

Fox also announced it has renewed Bones for a ninth season. The drama starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz has been a consistent, if waning, performer for Fox, averaging a 2.1 rating with adults 18-49 on Monday nights this fall.