New FOX TV Shows Premiering Aboard Princess Cruises Ships

It’s been a while since the Princess Cruises vessels were the first cruise ships to star in a television show (“The Love Boat”), but the line hasn’t shied away from those heady days and their connection with the small screen. In an industry first, Princess Cruises and FOX Television have joined together this summer to premiere two of FOX’s fall primetime shows across the line’s 17-vessel fleet. Throughout August, passengers on Princess ships will be among the first to view the new programs, “Lone Star” and “Raising Hope”–the only primetime network television shows to premiere at sea prior to their network debut in September.

Passengers can view the pilot episodes of both shows at special screenings on the ships’ Movies Under the Stars poolside screens or in the Princess Theater, and can later also watch the shows on their stateroom televisions. Passengers attending the screenings will also receive a FOX tote bag to use throughout their cruise. In addition, two lucky passengers at each screening will have the chance to win a large tote bag full of FOX items.

“These screenings are an exciting first for us, and we’re pleased to partner with FOX to host the first TV ‘screening room’ at sea,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “No cruise line has ever offered the opportunity to see primetime premieres a month before they’re broadcast at home.”

The two shows premiering onboard are:

LONE STAR premieres Monday, Sept. 20 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The series centers on a charismatic and brilliant schemer – Robert Allen (newcomer James Wolk) – who has meticulously constructed two lives in two different parts of Texas. In Houston, he’s a devoted husband charming his ultra-wealthy in-laws to cement his position in the rich family business he aims to clean out. More than 400 miles away in the suburban west Texas town of Midland, he lives a second life with his sweet, naïve girlfriend, playing the perfect boyfriend while secretly bilking local investors of their savings. As he tries to hold his two lives together, while fending off angry investors and the growing suspicions of those around him, Robert puts it all on the line hoping he can beat the odds, leave the schemes behind and keep two separate relationships afloat.

RAISING HOPE premieres Tuesday, Sept. 21 (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The half-hour comedy follows the Chance family as they find themselves adding an unexpected new member into their household. At 23 years old, Jimmy Chance (Lucas Neff) is going nowhere in life. He skims pools for a living, parties every night and still lives at home with his family. Jimmy’s life takes a drastic turn after a chance romantic encounter with a wanted felon. Months later, Jimmy learns his one-night stand is pregnant with their baby, and after she gives birth, he is charged with raising their daughter.