It’s reality: Fox opts for scripted shows

This week in New York, broadcast networks begin to unveil their fall season schedules to advertisers. It’s the kickoff of the biggest event of the year in the television business -- known as the “upfronts” -- when advertisers are urged to buy prime-time commercial spots before the 2005-06 season begins.

Fox, presenting to advertisers on Thursday, beefed up its scripted shows and made note of its attempt to downplay reality programming. Other than Saturday shows such as “COPS” and “America’s Most Wanted” -- and of course, “American Idol” on Tuesday and Wednesday nights starting in January -- Fox had no reality schedule for the fall or spring. Fox’s new entertainment president, Peter Liguori, announced five new dramas and two new comedies, adding that the network plans to start some new series early in the season so they would have a head start on competitors. Here is a summary of some of the changes:

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NEW SHOW UPDATE

“The Gate” (working title) Set in San Francisco, this drama features Det. Graham Hale (Johnny Messner) and Det. Rachel Lyford (Marguerite Moreau) heading the Police Department’s Deviant Crime Unit. Previously listed as “Deviant Crime” 9-10 p.m. Friday

“Prison Break” A drama series with Wentworth Miller portraying Michael, a desperate man in a desperate situation. His brother, Lincoln (Dominic Purcell), is on death row and scheduled to die in a few months for a murder Michael is convinced he did not commit . 9-10 p.m. Monday

“Reunion” Described as part drama/part mystery, this series chronicles the lives of six friends over the course of 20 years. With Will Estes, Sean Faris, Dave Annable, Alexa Davolos, Amanda Righetti, Chyler Leigh and Mathew St. Patrick. 9-10 p.m. Thursday

“Kitchen Confidential” A comedy that explores the world of upscale restaurants, with Bradley Cooper playing a chef who found great success at a young age but who also has grappled with some bad habits: boozing, womanizing and drugs. Based on chef Anthony Bourdain’s best-selling autobiography of the same name. 8:30-9 p.m. Monday

WHAT’S GONE

“Life on a Stick,” “Quintuplets” and “Tru Calling.” Earlier this season, “Point Pleasant” and “Jonny Zero” were sent packing.

WHAT ELSE

This fall “Prison Break” will fill the 9 p.m. Monday time now held by “24,” which returns for its new season in January. “American Idol” also comes back for a new season in January, in the same 8 p.m. Tuesday and 9 p.m. Wednesday slots. So you need to change your TiVo.

WHAT’S MOVED

“Arrested Development” returns for a third season this fall, at 8 p.m. Monday instead of 8:30 p.m. Sunday. “House” stays at 9 p.m. Tuesday but then moves to 8 p.m. Monday in January.

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UPN puts on a new face for women

UPN, seeking an audience of teenage girls and young women, flashed its new slogan, “Where the Girls Are -- Where the Boys Want to Be,” in its presentation to advertisers Thursday. UPN President Dawn Ostroff announced a lineup that includes three new shows and an aggressive effort to revamp its Thursday nights from wrestling to comedy, leading off with “Everybody Hates Chris,” inspired by the childhood experiences of Chris Rock.

NEW SHOW UPDATE

“Love, Inc.” A comedy about an energetic dating consultant and her co-workers as they try to help the lovelorn. With Shannen Doherty, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Vince Vieluf, Ion Overman and Holly Robinson Peete 9:30-10 p.m. Thursday

“South Beach” A drama about two men (played by Marcus Coloma and Chris Johnson) who, as best friends, move to Miami’s South Beach to pursue their dreams. Tony Krantz, Jennifer Lopez, Simon Fields and Philip Levens are executive producers. midseason

WHAT’S GONE

“Kevin Hill”

WHAT’S MOVED

UPN will begin scheduling comedies on Thursday nights, moving “WWE Smackdown!” to 8 p.m. Friday. “All of Us” moves to 8:30 p.m. Monday. “Eve” moves to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and “Cuts” to 9 p.m. Thursday.

WHAT ELSE

“Veronica Mars,” “America’s Next Top Model,” “One on One,” “Girlfriends,” “Half & Half” and “Eve” also return for a new season.

For more information on the new shows go to calendarlive.com/tvupfront.