While everyone was remembering the tragedy of September 11th Sunday night, the television networks treated it as any other day. FOX in particular dared to put premieres on the night. Their primarily animated lineup premiered to mild ratings with “The Simpsons,” 17th season, the new comedy “War At Home,” the resurrected “Family Guy” and sophomore “American Dad.” On a day that is remembered for anything but laughter, FOX has suffered criticism for choosing this week to premiere their popular comedy lineup.



“The Simpsons” started the night off with a strong premiere and the biggest ratings of all four series. While the show has recently struggled from the original quality of its earlier years, the premiere, in which Marge leaves home and begins saving the endangered manatees, brought plenty of laughs. Despite that, many feel it to be highly inappropriate for FOX to disregard September 11th. The network argues that the September 11th premiere date was necessary for their new programming strategy. Many have noticed that FOX shows like “Prison Break” and “The OC” are debuting fairly early in the month compared to other networks. This is due to FOX trying not to be hurt by the baseball season interruptions that have plagued them for years. Others feel the blame should be put on FOX’s new management Peter Liguori, since former CEO Gail Berman stuck to beginning the season in November after baseball. However, it is not only FOX disrespecting the memory of September 11th, but all six broadcast networks, all of which stuck to scheduled programming rather than usual memorials.



Perhaps the majority of the anger is fueled by the premiere of “The War at Home.” While the show’s title has nothing to do with the war on terrorism, it is unfortunate for it to have to be criticized for the decision to air on September 11th, especially when there are better reasons it should be criticized. The show, featuring an exceptionally irritating cast, was below mediocre. The so-called comedy tweaked the format of the traditional sitcom, however left in a shrill laugh track. Michael Rappaport’s portrayal of the homophobic and racist father of three puts this series over the edge as one of the worst shows of the new season.



The final hour of FOX’s Sunday comedies consisted of the two animated hits from the mind of Seth MacFarlane, “Family Guy” and “American Dad.” “Family Guy” has received a huge cult fanbase whose DVD purchases and watching of cable reruns resurrected the show for a fourth season. Now celebrating its fifth year, the animated comedy dropped in its ratings in last night’s season premiere. Its lead-out “American Dad” also suffered a huge drop from its premiere season last year having been the lowest-rated of Sunday’s four shows.



The ratings drop could be blamed on several factors, mostly relating to the September 11th controversy. While some may feel FOX was wrong in its decision, the network has argued otherwise. FOX went through these same accusations weeks after September 11th occurred when it premiered “24,” the hit thriller drama following the stories of the Counter Terrorist Unit. This is only one step in a new pattern with television not respecting world tragedies. While the impact of 9-11 has lost its effect on the six broadcast networks, more arguments have arose regarding TV’s treatment of Hurricane Katrina. ABC’s new sci-fi drama “Invasion” features a tragic hurricane as an integral part of its otherworldly plot. While ABC has stopped airing promos at the time, the show will still premiere on the 21st. TV Guide Head Critic Matt Roush commented on the topic saying it to be “...tacky maybe, but this is Hollywood and the show will go on.”