New Programming

Fox has settled on a late addition to the Fall 2006 lineup of shows. Premiering in time for the run-up to the mid-term elections will be El Presidente American. Sources have said that Cheech Marin will be playing the nation's first Hispanic President to last more than an inauguration, beating out Jimmy Smits on The West Wing.

One Fox executive is quoted as saying, "The West Wing was fine for a show born during the Clinton administration, but times have changed. El Presidente American will fill the void left by the departure of The West Wing, but the content will be more realistic, focusing on such matters as the supremacy of trickle-down economics rather than namby pamby issues like health care and the environment."

Industry watcher have yet to learn whether Fox intends to write the show as a drama, playing off of Marin's work on such vehicles as Nash Bridges, or a comedy, harkening back to the actor's days in such films as Up in Smoke. The former would be useful in endearing the network's preferred party to Hispanic voters hungry for respect, particularly given the discussion of immigrant rights. The latter would allow the same organization to rally support in its traditional strongholds throughout the south by subtly mocking the capabilities of Hispanics to lead.

Rupert Murdoch, despite his declining role in the day-to-day operations of the network, is said to be personally involved in both the development of the pilot and weekly briefings at the White House. Regardless of the final decision about the general tone of the program, the casting director is said to be pursuing Rosie Perez to play the first lady.