FOX has set a simpler-than-usual two-tiered 2008-09 schedule that includes a well-produced fall launch for J.J. Abrams' "Fringe" and a relatively safe midseason haven for Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse."

While the network's Thursday (May 15) upfront announcement included two new dramas and three new comedies, plus one unscripted series, FOX's line-up can be understood without a degree in nuclear physics, which hasn't been the case in past years.

Looking at the fall first, FOX will be jumping the gun on the official start of the TV season by delivering four two-hour premiere events on the week of August 25.

Up first will be "Prison Break," which will launch on Monday, Aug. 25 with a two-hour episode before settling into its familiar 9 p.m. Mondays timeslot after "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles."

"Fringe," from J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, will have air its two-hour pilot on Tuesday, Aug. 26 and will then settle into a Tuesday 9 p.m. time slot after "House."

Another season of "Bones" will launch from 8:00-10:00 p.m. on Aug. 27, as the drama will move to Wednesdays at 9 p.m. leading into the return of "'Til Death" and the first-year comedy "Do Not Disturb."

Finally, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" will have a two-hour premiere on Aug. 29. The returning competition show will pair with "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" on Fridays in what may be FOX's most competitive combo on the night in several years.

For the Fall, FOX's Animation Domination lineup will return untouched, as will the network's reliable Saturday. Thursdays will be set aside for "The Moment of Truth" and "Kitchen Nightmares."

The network's spring will, as always, be anchored by "American Idol," which returns to its Tuesday 8 p.m. home (as a potent lead-in for "Fringe") and to Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (after the night-swapping "House"), but as of now, "Idol" results episodes are only scheduled for 30 minutes, leading into a yet-to-be-determined comedy.

Spring will see the return of "24" on Monday nights at 9 p.m., where it will be couple with "Dollhouse," Whedon and star Eliza Dushku's return to the network. FOX will also be premiering the animated comedies "The Cleveland Show" and "Sit Down, Shut Up" on Sunday nights in the place of "King of the Hill" and "American Dad."

Every year, FOX seems to threaten to move "Bones" to Friday nights. It hasn't happened yet, but once again, "Bones" is set to move to Fridays in January.

As always, this is FOX and the entire schedule is subject to change.

FALL 2008 (ALL TIMES ET)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "Terminator: The Sara Connor Chronicles" 9:00-10:00 PM "Prison Break"

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "House"
9:00-10:00 PM "Fringe"

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "Bones"
9:00-9:30 PM "'Til Death"
9:30-10:00 PM "Do Not Disturb"

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "The Moment of Truth" 9:00-10:00 PM "Kitchen Nightmares"

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" 9:00-10:00 PM "Don't Forget the Lyrics!"

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM "Cops"
8:30-9:00 PM "Cops"
9:00-10:00 PM "America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back"
11:00 PM-Midnight "MADtv" Midnight-12:30 AM "Talk Show with Spike Feresten"

SUNDAY 7:00-8:00 PM "The OT" (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM "The Simpsons"
8:30-9:00 PM "King of the Hill"
9:00-9:30 PM "Family Guy" 9:30-10:00 PM "American Dad"

MIDSEASON BEGINNING JANUARY 2009

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "Dollhouse" 9:00-10:00 PM "24"

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "American Idol"
9:00-10:00 PM "Fringe"

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "House"
9:00-9:30 PM "American Idol" results 9:30-10:00 PM TBA Comedy

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "Hell's Kitchen"
9:00-10:00 PM "Secret Millionaire"

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM "Bones"
9:00-9:30 PM "'Til Death"
9:30-10:00 PM "Do Not Disturb"

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM "Cops"
8:30-9:00 PM "Cops"
9:00-10:00 PM "America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back"
11:00 PM-Midnight "MADtv" Midnight-12:30 AM "Talk Show with Spike Feresten"

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM Comedy Encores
7:30-8:00 PM Comedy Encores
8:00-8:30 PM "The Simpsons"
8:30-9:00 PM "King of the Hill" (January)/ "Sit Down, Shut Up" (spring)
9:00-9:30 PM "Family Guy"
9:30-10:00 PM "American Dad" (January)/ "The Cleveland Show" (spring)