Exclusive: Fox Won't Air New Animated Series Murder Police

Fox has put the cuffs on Murder Police. The animated comedy, which had been picked up for 13 episodes, won't air on the network after all. Instead, producer 20^th Century Fox TV plans to shop the show to cable.

According to insiders, Fox execs were not happy with early cuts of the show, which is why Murder Police lost a spot on Fox's 2013-14 schedule. Now the studio will try to find a new home for the series once more complete episodes are available to screen for potential buyers.

Murder Police centers on an inept detective and his co-workers. Phil Lamarr (Futurama) voices undercover cop Donel, and Jane Lynch plays Justice, a detective and working mother.  Will Sasso (MadTV), Chi McBride (Human Target), Peter Atencio (Key and Peele), Justina Machado (Welcome to the Family) and Jason Ruiz also star.

Ruiz co-created Murder Police with David A. Goodman (Family Guy), who also executive-produces and serves as showrunner.

Fox's decision to pull Murder Police comes as its Sunday night "Animation Domination" lineup undergoes another evolution. The network just ordered a 26^th season of The Simpsonsand a fifth season of Bob's Burgers, but American Dad will move to TBS after this season. Fox has several more animated series currently in development.

Murder Police joins an illustrious list of shows that Fox announced but canceled without airing a single episode, including The Grubbs, Hollyweird, Manchester Prep, The Ortegas, Our Little Genius, Rewind, Schimmel, Septuplets, Still Life and When Women Rule the World. Last year, NBC's Next Caller and CBS' Friend Me never made it to air.

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