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FOX Slows "Drive" to Six-Episode Initial Run

FOX continued to tweak its late spring/early summer schedule today, with a number of scheduling-related announcements that would seem to confuse even the most seasoned TV viewer.

But the most, er, intriguing development has to be that the network has opted to split the 13-episode run of upcoming drama Drive, starring a slew of familiar faces including Nathan Fillion and Amy Acker, into two sections.

Drive kicks off on April 15th but, due to the series' "tight production schedule," FOX will only air the first six episodes of Drive for now, wrapping its five week run on May 7th. Subsequent episodes will then air at a to-be-determined date later in the season. (Read: summer burnoff.)

Due to the fact that On the Lot, Steven Spielberg's reality series ode to student filmmakers, is set to inherit the series' Mondays at 8 pm timeslot on May 28th (following a repeat of House on May 14 and the second half of 24's 2-hr finale on May 21st), some sort of arrangement was bound to occur. But is splitting Drive's freshman season in half really the best option? (It certainly doesn't belie any confidence from FOX in the series.)

Meanwhile, FOX has also announced that The War at Home will end its second season on April 22nd. That night, the lineup will shift around considerably, with King of the Hill moving to 7:30 pm in order to accommodate double episodes of The Simpsons and, starting April 29th, a repeat airing of King of the Hill at 7 pm.

But hold your horses! On June 10th, the network will again rejigger its Sunday night lineup, this time moving The War at Home to 7 pm, followed by King of the Hill. 8 pm brings The Simpsons and Amercan Dad, while at 9 pm, we've got Family Guy and Season Two of The Loop. Riiiight.

Comments

I don't really get this series. It has an amazing cast but the concept just seems so one-note. I saw an old version of the pilot, before they recast it. It might be better now but, from your post, looks like this pilot is going nowhere fast.
Unknown said…
C'mon Danielle, it's Minear - I've got faith that there's more than meets the eye.
Anonymous said…
This sounded like it might have potential however the split season and FOX's history of not given shows a chance makes me question if it is even worth tuning into the first episode.
The CineManiac said…
So once again Tim Minear puts his trust in Fox and already they are screwing him over. Maybe this time we'll at least get all 13 episodes on DVD like Firefly and Wonderfalls before it, and unlike The Inside, which I'm still waiting for.
But from what I hear, Minear made a pretty penny either way.
Stupid Fox!!!
Unknown said…
The way I see it, DRIVE is like The Amazing Race meets Lost. Keep it coming!!!!!
Anonymous said…
WHEN WILL DRIVE BE RETURNING. WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SHOW AGAIN. LOVE THE CHARACTERS IN IT. WATCHED IT AFTER I WATCHED PRISON BREAK. COULD NOT GO TO SLEEP UNTIL DRIVE WAS OVER. LOVED THE SHOW SO MUCH. PLEASE BRING IT BACK................

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