The first prime time shows were broadcast in 1987 with the comedy hit, Married…With Children and the sketch show, The Tracey Ullman Show. The network would benefit from The Tracey Ullman Show in more ways than one. That show launched The Simpsons, which went on to have its own slot and became an international success.

The Nielsen ratings chart is the all important chart for networks to get their shows in a high position. The X-Files was the first Fox series that reached the top 25. This was cult TV on a huge scale and is an example of Fox TV shows that took a chance. Some other networks might not have risked a show about hunting aliens and with a relatively unknown cast.

In the 21st century, reality TV is king and Fox have produced some successes, namely with Temptation Island, Married By America and Joe Millionaire. However, fictional drama is never far away and the network scored a hit again with 24 and House. Another youth show put posters on teenage, bedroom walls with The OC.

In addition to teenage and adult drama, the network has successful divisions in sport, news and children’s programs. Two of the most popular Fox TV shows on the Fox Kids channel are Batman: the Animated Series and Power Rangers. The Fox network is part of News Corporation, owned by media mogul, Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch even appeared in an episode of The Simpsons, playing himself and taking the jokes made against him by Homer and the gang.