Fox picks up two new series for fall

Fox, which is up first next week announcing its new lineup to advertisers in Manhattan during the springtime ritual known as upfronts, picked up one new drama and one new comedy today.

The drama is "Human Target," based on the DC comics book about a private detective/bodyguard who impersonates his clients to eliminate threats against them. It stars Mark Valley (pictured), who earned his brownie points with the network on "Fringe," where he met his wife, Anna Torv. The show also stars Chi McBride ("Pushing Daisies") and Jackie Earle Haley.

"Sons of Tucson" is a single-camera comedy about three brothers who hire someone to pretend to be their father when their dad is sent to prison for a white-collar crime. It stars Tyler Labine ("Reaper"), Davis Cleveland, Frank Dolce, Troy Gentile and Natalie Martinez.

Fox would not confirm the orders, but sources at Warner Bros. Television, which produces "Human Target," and 20th Century Fox Television, which produces "Sons of Tucson" said the series had been picked up.

-- Maria Elena Fernandez

Photo: Warner Bros. Television