The Network Upfronts are next week, and while this is the first time I've had a reason to pay attention to them, my guess/hope that they'll result in newsworthy buzz about Fringe is beginning to look like a good one.

Over at Fox, J.J. Abrams "Fringe" looks like a lock after an enthusiastic response from the network's brass during the weekend. Fox already has given its blessing for staffing to begin on the Warner Bros. TV-produced sci-fi drama.

"Fringe," which has the scope of Abrams' "Lost," is rumored for a fall launch as a key weapon in Fox's effort to shake off its fourth-quarter ratings blues. It could be paired with "Prison Break" or "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." -- THR.com (emphasis mine)