Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 1, 1990 TAG: 9006010017
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
"We believe you have to take risks," Peter Chernin, Fox's entertainment chief, told advertisers Tuesday in previewing the fall lineup. "We don't think you can play it safe any longer in the current network environment."
Chernin announced nine new series in Fox's move from three to five nights of prime-time programming. To make room, Fox cut its original series, "21 Jump Street," as well as "Alien Nation," "Booker" and "The Outsiders."
"The Simpsons" will take on ratings giant "Cosby" on Thursday night, followed by "Babes," a sitcom about three large sisters who share a cramped New York apartment and Zip Code dress sizes.
Then, at 9 p.m. Fox goes for the younger viewer with "Class of Beverly Hills," the story of Midwestern teen-age twins who confront the issues of growing up in the surreal, monied ambience of Beverly Hills High.
Fox offers "American Chronicles," a half-hour documentary series by Mark Frost and David Lynch, creators of "Twin Peaks," and an hour series of various video projects, "Fox Video Hour."
Fox's other new hour show is "D.E.A.," which mixes documentary and drama about the exploits of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Monday's "Fox Night at the Movies" the fourth network will combine theatrical and made-for-TV movies aimed at younger viewers.
Fox will anchor its Sunday schedule with "True Colors," a sitcom about interracial marriage that Chernin called "Fox's answer to `The Brady Bunch."' It stars Nancy Walker as an acerbic mother-in-law.
It will be followed by "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," high school adventures with Dobie Gillis and Ferris Bueller overtones; the sketch comedy of "In Living Color;" comedian Chris Elliott in "Get a Life" as a 30-year-old newsboy; the miserable Bundy family of "Married . . . with Children," and "Good Grief," about two brothers-in-law who operate the family mortuary.
Fox will close Sunday night with "Against the Law," a courtroom drama starring Michael O'Keefe as "television's first gonzo, rock 'n' roll lawyer," Chernin said.
Fox has 129 affiliates, compared with more than 200 each for CBS, NBC and ABC, but isn't considered a network by the Federal Communications Commission.
by CNB