FOX homes in on 'Human Target,' 'Sons of Tucson'

FOX is first up at next week's network upfronts, and it's getting a head start on its lineup for 2009-10 by ordering two pilots -- drama "Human Target" and comedy "Sons of Tucson" -- to series.

Both pilots have been high on buzz lists for the past couple of weeks, and the showbiz trade papers report that they'll both be part of FOX's schedule next season. The network has also picked up two of its first-year series, "Fringe" and "Lie to Me," in recent days.

"Human Target" is based on the DC/Vertigo comic book (which was previously made into a short-lived ABC show starring Rick Springfield in the early '90s) about a security expert (Mark Valley of "Fringe") who assumes the identities of his clients to draw out possible threats. Jackie Earle Haley ("Watchmen") and Chi McBride ("Pushing Daisies") also star.

Jon Steinberg wrote the pilot script and is executive producing the show with Brad Kern ("Charmed"), McG ("Terminator: Salvation") and Peter Johnson.

"Sons of Tucson" stars "Reaper's" Tyler Labine as a con artist who gets hired by three rich kids to pose as their father when their real dad is sent to prison. The pickup probably represents one of the final nails in the coffin for "Reaper," which was on the bubble at The CW.

Greg Bratman and Tommy Dewey (a star of ABC's "Roommates") co-wrote the script, and "Malcolm in the Middle" and "Wonderfalls" veteran Todd Holland directed the pilot. Harvey Myman, Justin Berfield and Jason Felts are the exec producers.

Related:

Zap2it's upfronts coverage
True story: FOX picks up 'Lie to Me'

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