The Fox network celebrated its 25th anniversary last Sunday night in a 2 hour retrospective. Here’s a final look back at some of the dramas they have broadcast over the years, based on Wikipedia’s list:
24: One of the best shows ever to air on any network, let alone Fox. The nation’s introduction to Jack Bauer and the Counter Terrorism Unit was ironically delayed, as the pilot was pushed back following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Ally McBeal: David E. Kelley’s special brand of whimsy took hold at a Boston (where else?) law firm featuring young, mostly attractive lawyers who lived for their quirks.
Beverly Hills, 90210: It started off as a show tackling the relevant teen issues of the day, but took off when it embraced its inner soap. Who can forget Dylan and Kelly on the beach while Brenda was in Paris, Brandon leading the student body protest declaring that “Donna Martin Graduates”, or Donna trying to keep her virginity for years and years, before finally giving it up to young David Silver.
Boston Public: David E. Kelley again infiltrates Boston, this time focussing on the teachers and administrators at a school.
The Chicago Code: A one season wonder focusing on a group of cops trying to take down corruption at city hall.
Class of ’96: I enjoyed the show, but it tried to be the original issues-based 90210 except in college, and who needed that when we had the current 90210 in college?
Dark Angel: Jessica Alba starred as a genetically altered being trying to take down the people that created her.
Drive: Only four issues of this show starring Nathan Fillion and a young Emma Stone ever made it to air.
Dollhouse: Somehow Joss Whedon and Eliza Dushku got two seasons of Dollhouse on the air.
Girls Club: David E. Kelley’s highly anticipated spiritual follow-up to Ally McBeal lasted only 2 episodes.
Human Target: The adaptation of the DC comic lasted a surprising 2 seasons.
The Inside: Only 8 episodes aired of this show which introduced us to the lovely and talented Rachel Nichols. Sadly, it has never made it to DVD.
John Doe: An intriguing sci-fi tale that left many unanswered questions after it was cancelled following its only season.
The Lone Gunmen: The trio of conspiracy nuts from the X-Files were given their own spinoff, which lasted one summer.
Melrose Place: The 90210 spinoff also tried to be earnest at the start, but also hit amazing heights once it embraced its soapy destiny and added Heather Locklear.
Party of Five: Six seasons is a lot for a show about 5 orphans struggling to get by without their parents.
Prison Break: The show spent 4 seasons alternaring between being in prison and being on the run.
Reunion: A high concept show intended to show the 20 years, 1 year per episode, leading up to the high school reunion. Poor ratings meant only 13 episodes were produced and only 9 were aired.
Skin: Nobody ever watched this show, but any baseball fan who watched the 2003 post-season is well acquainted with the show, thanks to its overplayed ads mentioning “His father’s the district attorney!”
Sliders: An enjoyable show while paired on Friday nights with the X-Files that was quickly forgotten once the X-Files moved to Sundays.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: A spinoff of the film series that managed to get 2 seasons.
The Good Guys: A goofy summer show which somehow got extended into the fall, before quickly being cancelled.
Time Of Your Life: The Party Of Five spinoff that is mostly remembered today for being Jennifer Garner’s first big break.
Tru Calling: Eliza Dushku picked this show over a Faith spinoff and managed to stay on the air for 1 1/2 seaons.
Wonderfalls: The delightfully quirky show never really stood a chance, and was cancelled after 4 episodes. Thankfully, all 13 were produced and released on DVD.
X-Files: The smash hit series produced 9 seasons and 2 movies.