The hype for Terra Nova has been going on for a very long time.

But Fox sources now confirm the prehistoric, special effects-laden drama will air a short first season: for budgetary reasons, Terra Nova will only air 13 episodes, wrapping up in December.

Terra Nova premieres with a two-hour episode on September 26, and it's not the only highly-anticipated series expected whose inaugural season will only be comprised of a handful of episodes.

Fox's Alcatraz, along with NBC's Smash and Awake, will also air 13 installments.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.