CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:

AMERICAN JUNIORS (FOX) - With its premiere just days away, FOX has finally found a host for its "American Idol" spin-off: current "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest." Previously, Paula Abdul had been offered the spot, but turned it down. The project, which premieres tomorrow at 8:00/7:00c, follows two groups of performers -- ages 6-9 and 10-13 -- as they compete for slots in a five-member music group.

ANGELS IN AMERICA (HBO) - Recent promotions for the cable channel's upcoming mini-series indicate the project will air in December 2003.

DANCE FEVER (ABC Family) - The cable channel's revival of the famed danced competition is set to kick off Sunday, July 13 at 7:00/6:00c with a two-hour premiere. Regular one-hour episodes will then air at 7:00/6:00c beginning the following week.

HOUSE ARREST (Comedy Central) - Comedy Central has greenlighted 13 episodes of the animated comedy for a 2004 premiere date. The project's pilot has recently been used as interstitials on the channel. Eric Brown, Tom Sellitti and Jim Serpico created the series, about two twentysomething slackers who watch animated stand-up routines all day, with Denis Leary and Serpico serving as executive producers.

I'M WITH BUSEY (Comedy Central) - The cable channel's entry into the "follow the celebrity" genre will air Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c beginning June 17, not 10:30/9:30c as originally reported.

THE LYON'S DEN (NBC) - Emmy-winning writer-producer Kevin Falls has signed a two-hour development deal with 20th Century Fox. As part of the pact, which has an option for a third year, he'll join the Peacock's upcoming drama "The Lyon's Den" as co-executive producer in addition to developing new projects for the studio.

PEACEMAKERS (USA) - USA's entry in the western genre is set to bow on Wednesday, July 30 at 8:00/7:00c, not 9:00/8:00c as previously indicated. The 90-minute premiere will encore at 9:30/8:30c. It is still not clear what the permanent time slot for the drama will be.

Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters