A CONTRACT dispute wasn’t enough to keep David Duchovny from seeking the truth on Fox’s “The X-Files.”
Duchovny said yesterday that he’ll return for a eighth season on the cult thriller – ending the mystery of how Fox could renew the hit show for another year without one of its stars.
Duchovny, 39, didn’t disclose the terms of his new deal, but Daily Variety says he’ll make between $350,000 to $400,000 per show for 11 episodes.
Duchovny also settled a 1999 lawsuit against Fox over profits from the series, in which he has a stake.
With Duchovny back on board, Fox is expected today to announce a new fall lineup peppered with big stars and powerhouse producers – including “Titanic” director James Cameron.
Fox could launch as many as seven new series this fall, including a new comedy featuring John Goodman (“Roseanne”).
From Cameron (who also created “The Terminator,” “Aliens” and “The Abyss”), Fox is expected to launch “Dark Angel,” an hourlong sci-fi series.
The show follows the adventures of a 21st century, super-sexy, genetically enhanced girl who was built to be a super-soldier but escapes from the military to become a rebel.
“Don’t Ask,” considered a shoo-in this fall, stars Goodman as a divorced father of teens who moves in with his neurotic college buddy, who is also divorced and has kids.
The catch: Goodman’s character turns out to be gay.
Also expected from Fox is “Schimmel,” a comedy starring funnyman and frequent Howard Stern guest Robert Schimmel.
Network officials are also reportedly excited about a new series called “The $treet,” from “Sex and the City” creator Darren Star. The show follows the lives of a group of twentysomething hotshot stockbrokers in New York City.
Fox may also pick up a new show from “Ally McBeal” creator David E. Kelly. Tentatively called “Boston Public,” it explores the personal and professional lives of a group of teachers at a suburban high school.
“Fearsum,” a sci-fi/horror series, appears to have gotten the green light. It’s about a computer geek who explores the strange and unusual through bizarre life experiences and his underground Web site.
Also on tap is a horror anthology similar to the “Twilight Zone” called “Night Visions.”
Gone is “The Family Guy,” while “The X-Files” spinoff, “The Lone Gunmen,” is expected to debut in midseason.
Meanwhile, UPN also announces its new lineup today.
New on Mondays will be “The Hughleys,” which jumps from ABC, followed by “Girlfriends,” a comedy starring Diana Ross’ daughter Tracee and produced by “Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer.
The two new shows follow “Moesha” and “The Parkers,” both of which return.
For Tuesdays, UPN will feature movies. Wednesdays remain the same, with “Seven Days” and the final season of “Star Trek: Voyager.”
On Thursdays, the network keeps “WWF Smackdown.” Fridays will feature “Freedom,” an action show from “Matrix” producer Joel Silver.
The network has also ordered “Level 9,” a drama about fighting crime on the Internet.