FOX is starting the new year with two major scripted series, announcing premiere dates for “Best Medicine” and “Memory of a Killer.” The network confirmed the rollout and reported details from Deadline and TheWrap show that both series will receive high-visibility special premieres after major NFL games. The scheduling move signals FOX’s intent to strengthen its scripted lineup as the network enters 2026.
‘Best Medicine’ Gets Early Preview After NFL Lead-In
“Best Medicine,” starring Josh Charles, will debut with a special preview on Jan. 4 after FOX’s Sunday Night Football broadcast, according to TheWrap. The series will then move to its regular Tuesday slot beginning Jan. 6.
The medical drama follows Dr. Martin Best, a skilled surgeon who leaves a prestigious Boston hospital. He returns to the coastal town where he spent childhood summers. Deadline reported that the series blends emotional storytelling with lighter moments. Best tries to rebuild his life while adjusting to a slower pace.
Abigail Spencer, Josh Segarra, and Annie Potts join Charles in the ensemble. FOX has described the show as a character-driven drama centered on community, personal reinvention, and the emotional complexities that accompany second chances.
By placing the preview after a high-rated football broadcast, FOX aims to draw viewers who may not normally sample new scripted shows. Network executives told Deadline that the strategy is designed to give fresh titles a strong promotional lift.
‘Memory of a Killer’ to Launch With Two-Night Event
The network will give an even bigger platform to “Memory of a Killer,” which stars “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli. According to TheWrap, the series will premiere across two nights, with the first episode airing Jan. 25 immediately after the NFC Championship Game. The second episode will follow on Jan. 26 in its official Monday slot.
The show is adapted from the Belgian novel and film “The Alzheimer Case.” Deadline reported that Dempsey plays Angelo Doyle, a veteran hitman dealing with memory loss, while he becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal plot. Imperioli plays a detective whose investigation intersects with Doyle’s unraveling life.
FOX said the series blends psychological tension with investigative drama, positioning it as one of the network’s most ambitious thrillers of the season. The two-night launch after a major NFL event reflects FOX’s confidence that the series can draw a broad audience.
FOX Builds a Stronger Scripted Slate
The special rollouts for “Best Medicine” and “Memory of a Killer” show how seriously FOX is approaching its 2026 scripted push. The network has leaned more heavily on unscripted programming in recent years, but the winter lineup indicates a deliberate shift.
The contrasting tones of the two dramas give viewers a wide range of choices. Those seeking heartfelt, character-focused storytelling may gravitate toward “Best Medicine,” while those who prefer darker, high-stakes narratives may opt for “Memory of a Killer.”
