PILOT PICKUPS: It's Messy, Ben & Kate, The Goodwin Games, Untitled Kevin Williamson, The Mob Doctor

After nothing but NBC news recently, FOX is getting into the game with five series pickups today - comedies It's Messy, Ben & Kate, and The Goodwin Games and dramas Untitled Kevin Williamson and The Mob Doctor. FOX may have one or two more pickups but it's unlikely that they'll have too many more.

Not surprising at all was the series pickup for Mindy Kaling's new medical comedy now titled It's Messy. The sitcom comes from The Office veterans Kaling and BJ Novak and centers on a young doctor's professional and personal life. The show has been a frontrunner throughout pilot season and many think it will be paired with New Girl in the fall regardless of what FOX does with 8pm hour (Glee or more comedies). It sounds like a really good fit to me.

Also picked up was Ben & Kate (formerly titled Ned Fox is My Manny). The show centers on a free spirit who moves in with his uptight sister. Yes, another Odd Couple-style sitcom. The show was also receiving good buzz throughout pilot season and could be a contender for Tuesday nights if FOX does indeed go with four comedies, which is looking more and more likely.

A third comedy picked up was The Goodwin Games from the creators of How I  Met Your Mother. The odd premise is about a father who leaves a fortune but forces his kids to play his game and agree to his terms. The show stars Becki Newton and Scott Foley among others. Of the three pickups, this sounds like the most niche show but could be a good pairing with Raising Hope.

FOX also picked up the Untitled Kevin Williamson serial killer drama starring Kevin Bacon. Like Mindy Kaling's sitcom, this has been FOX's frontrunner since the very beginning and many are touting it as the top drama on any network for next season. Bacon has only agreed to 15 episodes so a midseason launch (likely after American Idol) seems a very likely possibility.

The final pickup was drama The Mob Doctor which may be FOX's hope for a successor to House. The show stars Jordana Spiro and centers on a woman who has to balance her life as a young doctor and her ties to the South Chicago mob. It sounds a bit oddball but FOX may try it in House's old slot and see if they strike gold twice.