Friday, March 30, 2007
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- ABC is taking the unusual step of scheduling a new sitcom, "Notes From the Underbelly," at the late prime-time hour of 10 p.m. -- a move that follows Fox's expansion of the "American Idol" results show.
"Notes From the Underbelly," a comedy about pregnancy and parenthood, was to debut next month in the 9:30 p.m. Wednesday slot. Then came word that Fox's "American Idol" would grow to an hour on April 11, April 18 and May 2, occupying the 9 p.m.-10 p.m. slot.
This week, ABC said the sitcom would instead air Thursdays at 10 p.m. starting April 12, with two half-hour episodes airing back-to-back each week.
"American Idol" continues to cast a giant shadow in its sixth year, ruling the ratings and creating scheduling headaches for competitors.
ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Co., has taken the brunt recently: The Tuesday performance show of "Idol" ran seven minutes past the hour, encroaching on the first results show for ABC's own hit talent competition, "Dancing With the Stars."
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