Fox Leans Into Animation “Moment” With Strike-Impacted Fall Schedule As Deadline Nears For Return Of Scripted Originals In 2023-24 Broadcast Season
13.09.2023 - 16:31
/ deadline.com
Krapopolis, the Dan Harmon-created animated series that was renewed for its third season before audiences saw a frame, is finally coming to Fox later this month.
It “feels like a moment” for the network, according to Fox’s President of Entertainment Michael Thorn, as it becomes one of the rare, new scripted originals launching on broadcast television this year.
But the launch also masks a major issue the broadcast networks face that the streamers and cable networks do not: if the writers and actors strikes don’t end soon, there will be very few new scripted hours of television on Fox as well as ABC, CBS and NBC this season.
“Beyond being incredibly passionate about [Krapopolis] and Dan Harmon’s vision, we’re invested, because we’ve already ordered a third cycle,” Thorn told Deadline. “On a show level, it’s fantastic. But on a corporate strategy level, it’s really symbolic for us. Several years ago, when we were looking at Fox as an independent network, we decided to stay in the animation business… and we acquired Bento Box. This is the first Bento Box-owned show, so we couldn’t be prouder.”
Thorn is hopeful that Krapopolis can become a “calling card for our growth strategy” that also includes signing direct deals with creators such as Harmon. “Dan Harmon was one of the first and certainly the biggest deal we made. This show is a coming together and realization of two of strategies and we’re excited,” he added.
The comedy, which is set in mythical ancient Greece, stars the voice talent of Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Pam Murphy and Duncan Trussell. It launches on September 24 after an NFL doubleheader before moving to its regular timeslot as part of Fox’s Animation Domination block that also includes