Simon Cowell, prehistoric Earth features on Fox

Simon Cowell returns to Fox’s schedule this fall as his new talent show “The X Factor” mimics the schedule that “American Idol” uses. Fox introduced a schedule for next season that includes eight new series, including the long-awaited debut of “Terra Nova,” Steven Spielberg’s drama that sends a futuristic family back to prehistoric times.

“The X Factor” has Cowell, Paula Abdul, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Cheryl Cole as judges. Its performance shows will run 90 minutes on Wednesdays and there will be a one-hour results show on Thursdays. For years, Fox has suffered in the ratings during the fall because “American Idol” doesn’t begin until January.