Sci-Fi Storm

Fox, which usually gets a jump on the fall TV season a week or two ahead of the other networks, will fall closer in line with the others this season, with some shows debuting mere days before the “official premiere week” (September 21st). Returning series Fringe will bow on September 17th at 9pm, with Dollhouse the next night, September 18th at 9pm.

Budget and policy are taking their toll at ITV, and Primeval is one of the victims. “Basically ITV have changed their policy about drama before 9pm in that they’ve decided they really don’t want any, at least not of the quality and cost of Primeval,” according to a source close to the production. “Obviously we’re devastated that things should end this way with ITV. But we’re absolutely certain that although this stage of its evolution seems to be over, Primeval isn’t dead. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved over the past three years and we have every intention of keeping Primeval alive in other ways.”

Another animated Fox castoff will return: Comedy Central is resurrecting Futurama for 26 episodes, with an “eye” towards a mid-2010 debut. Comedy Central acquired the rights to the original 72 episodes in January 2008, and aired 4 feature-length episodes for high ratings.

Actor/Martial Artist Ray Park, who is best known for playing Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace has signed for a story arc on Heroes, although little is known about the character yet. Ironically I was just at Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (more on that later), where Park often puts on demonstrations and talks with the fans.