Tuning in to TV

Fox preps fall slate

In preparation for presenting its fall schedule to advertisers next week, Fox picked up two new series Tuesday: the comic-book drama “Human Target” and the single-camera comedy “Sons of Tucson.”

The network also renewed the midseason drama “Lie to Me,” tapping “The Shield” creator/executive producer Shawn Ryan as executive producer/showrunner, the Hollywood Reporter notes.

Fox, which will be the first broadcast network to unveil its fall schedule to advertisers Monday, already has two new series in the can for the fall: the animated comedy “Cleveland” and the dramedy “Glee.”

“Target,” from WBTV, DC Comics and Wonderland, emerged as an early front-runner at the network. The pilot, directed by Simon West, scored the highest marks at Fox’s internal screenings last week. Based on the DC Comics title, the show centers on Christopher Chance (Mark Valley), a mysterious freelancer who assumes the identities of people in danger, becoming the human target on behalf of his clients.

Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley (“Little Children”) and Chi McBride (“Boston Public,” “Pushing Daisies”) co-star.

“Tucson,” from 20th Television and J2TV, also was an early favorite at the network. The pilot, directed by Todd Holland, stars Tyler Labine as a charming but misguided hustler hired by three young brothers to act as their father while their real dad serves prison time for a white-collar crime. Frank Dolce, Davis Cleveland, Troy Gentile and Natalie Martinez co-star.

Remaining in contention for a series order at Fox are the drama pilot “Past Life” and the comedy pilot “Brothers.” On the bubble front, the cult favorite “Dollhouse” is still alive, with the final decision hinging on the low-rated series’ economics.

Starz to ‘Party’ on

Starz will party for a second season with its freshman scripted comedy series “Party Down,” the premium cable network announced Wednesday.

The series about a Los Angeles catering team of Hollywood wannabes awaiting their big break premiered in March and is produced by Rob Thomas (“Veronica Mars,” “Cupid”).

On the other hand, Starz has not made a decision on whether to bring back its other comedy series, “Head Case,” which also launched in March as part of the network’s Friday-night comedy block with “Party Down.”

Meanwhile, the network said it will begin shooting on the second season of its drama series “Crash” later this month. Also, a second drama series, “Spartacus,” is slated to premiere, Multichannel.com reports.

‘Jon, Kate’ not great

Reality-TV star Kate Gosselin says her marriage is in trouble, Associated Press reports.

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