CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- FOX has renewed its animated comedy "King of the Hill" for a ninth season, keeping the long-running series on its schedule through May 2005.

The news comes as no surprise as the network previously negotiated an option for the comedy's 2004-05 season earlier this year. The pickup comes earlier than most series due to the extended lead time needed to produce animation.

Meanwhile, FOX has announced start dates for its complete fall 2003 schedule. As expected, the majority of its lineup will be held until late October to avoid conflicts with its MLB playoff coverage.

Saturday, September 13
8:00/7:00c - "Cops"
9:00/8:00c - "America's Most Wanted"
11:00/10:00c - "Mad TV"

Friday, September 26
8:00/7:00c - "Wanda at Large"
8:30/7:30c - "Luis"
9:00/8:00c - "Boston Public"

Monday, October 20
8:00/7:00c - "Joe Millionaire 2"
9:00/8:00c - "Skin"

Tuesday, October 28
8:00/7:00c - "American Juniors 2"
9:00/8:00c - "24" (Commerical Free)

Wednesday, October 29
8:00/7:00c - "That '70s Show"
8:30/7:30c - "A Minute With Stan Hooper"
9:00/8:00c - "The Bernie Mac Show"
9:30/8:30c - "Cedric the Entertainer Presents"

Thurday, October 30
8:00/7:00c - "Tru Calling"
9:00/8:00c - "The O.C." (Time Slot Premiere)*

Sunday, November 2
7:30/6:30c - "King of the Hill"
8:00/7:00c - "The Simpsons"
8:30/7:30c - "The Ortegas"
9:00/8:00c - "Malcolm in the Middle"
9:30/8:30c - "Arrested Development"

"Oliver Beene's" start date will be announced later this year. The series is scheduled to run Sundays at 7:00/6:00c.

* Note that "The O.C." will begin airing for seven weeks, Tuesdays at 9:00/8:00c, starting August 5 before moving to its fall home of Thursdays at 9:00/8:00c on October 30.