FOX renews 'The Following' and three comedies

FOX has decided to get the renewal party going a little early this year, picking up a freshman drama, and the remaining members of its Tuesday night comedy block.

First up, the network has decided to stay in the Kevin Bacon business, ordering fifteen more episodes of drama/thriller "The Following". The series' content has proven somewhat controversial in the wake of recent tragedies, but the ratings have been pretty steady, and the critical reviews have been largely favorable. James Purefoy also stars as the serial killer who generates the "following" of the title, and the show's supporting cast includes Natalie Zea, Annie Parisse, Shawn Ashmore, Nico Tortella, Adan Canto, & the delectably evil Valorie Curry as the unhinged yet seductive Emma Hill.

Next, FOX has decided to bring back comedies "New Girl", "Raising Hope", and "The Mindy Project". New Girl was seen as a virtual lock to be renewed, as the Zooey Deschanel fronted ensemble comedy has mostly maintained its positive ratings levels from season one. Raising Hope and Mindy's renewals are a bit more surprising though, as both shows have dipped below thresholds that would have gotten them canceled in previous years. Luckily for them (and their fans), it's a pretty down year for all of network TV. Raising Hope will be entering its fourth year in the fall, while New Girl begins its third, and Mindy only its sophomore season.

As a big fan of "The Following", I am very excited we're getting more of the show. Are you? Or are you more stoked about the returns of "New Girl", "Raising Hope", and "The Mindy Project"?