J. J. Abrams bring s new sci-fi mystery to the small screen, by the name of “Fringe,” which reunites three unconventional heroes as they investigate paranormal phenomena.

This may sound like Chris Carter’s 1990s cult television series “The X-Files” or like another project from Abrams himself, which four seasons on is already bordering on cult-status-ness, ABC’s hit series “Lost.”

Just like the mysterious beginning of “Lost,” the first episode of “Fringe,” debuting tonight on Fox, centers on an enigmatic plane incident, where all those on board, crew and passengers, are killed by a flesh-eating virus. The plane still lands safely at Boston’s Logan Airport.

It is up to FBI Special Agents Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) and John Scott (Mark Valley) to investigate the case. They are ultimately aided by one very interesting character, who will be present throughout the series: brilliant scientist Walter Bishop (portrayed by John Noble), who has been institutionalized.

Joshua Jackson, of “Dawson’s Creek” fame, portrays Peter Bishop, the genius doctor’s estranged son who is also exceptionally intelligent but has rebelled from his father’s oddness by dropping out of high school.

Another of the major characters is veteran TV and stage actress Blair Brown’s Nina Sharp, an executive at a research facility.

In other roles, we find Lance Reddick as a Department of Homeland Security Agent and Kirk Acevedo and Jasika Nicole as FBI agents.

The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Bad Robot Productions. J. J. Abrams has previously teamed with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci for “Alias” and “Mission: Impossible III” and the upcoming “Star Trek” film. The trio executive produces the series.

The two-hour pilot is being directed by Alex Graves.