In a move that is surprising to some, and sure to cause sleepless nights for execs at the other networks, Fox is considering moving American Idol to Thursday nights. You may recall the scrambling that took place prior to this season as the networks tried to figure out what to do with Thursday night. At one point it looked like we were going to have C.S.I, Grey's Anatomy, and Studio 60 all fighting for viewers at 9PM. NBC eventually backed down and moved Studio 60 out of the fray, but what would happen if Fox was to drop Idol in that spot? It's unclear whether Fox is eying that 9PM slot for the show, or if they would stay with the traditional 8PM airing. However, Fox president Peter Liguori does hint at the possibility of the 9PM showdown in the LA Times article. The decision could be held off until as late as Christmas. And, there is always the chance that this is just grandstanding by Fox, hoping to cause some turmoil with the other networks while getting more publicity for their number one show.
The TV Squad Podcast: Vik Sahay of Chuck, Oprah talk, brutal timeslots, and more!
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-19-2006 @ 1:12PM
erroneous_nick said...
Is it some kind of sadistic game the networks play with their viewers, this pitting of good shows opposite one another? They seem to revel in jamming their best shows on the same night at the same time and the real losers are us, the viewers. Then, they scratch their collective heads and wonder why they (the networks) are losing viewership.
Reply
9-19-2006 @ 1:31PM
Porchland said...
With a results show on Friday? Sounds iffy.
Reply
9-19-2006 @ 1:39PM
Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen said...
Hasn't anyone heard of a VCR or DVR or PVR, Tivo, or a Torrent?
Reply
9-19-2006 @ 1:45PM
Jimmy said...
Personally, I think American Idol would be the loser. Not that it would be the third-place show, but that it would see a significant drop in viewership since both Grey's and CSI are extremely popular shows. If Fox isn't careful, they're going to turn viewers away from one of their few successful shows. Idol is like any other show: it to will fade and putting it on Thursday opposite Grey's and CSI could only hasten that demise.
Reply
9-19-2006 @ 1:54PM
Alex Davis said...
Deal or No Deal needs to move FAST from the Thursday 9PM time slot then, I think. It's a very popular show, but it's going to have enough issues against CSI. Throwing it against Idol as well is just complete suicide. However, now that I think about it, NBC really has no other show that can combat Idol and be remotely successful. Who knows.
Reply
9-19-2006 @ 1:56PM
erroneous_nick said...
Yeah, Smitty, I hear ya. With kids around the house I watch nothing "live", ever, but that doesn't mean I don't think packing popular shows against each other is a good idea. There are tons of people who apparently have never heard of recording technology, or are simply unwilling/unable to use it and they lose out big-time. I thought the current Neilsen Totallyinaccurate® Ratings didn't count those that recorded shows anyway, but since I'm not a member of "Da Mob", er, "The Nielsen Family" I don't really know.
BTW, how's the hat working out?
Reply
9-19-2006 @ 2:44PM
Tim Dorr said...
Hey, as long as it gets out of the way of Lost, I'm happy.
Reply
9-25-2006 @ 1:24PM
dodacrazy said...
Thats the problem today to much game playing with others lifes this should never got this far I'm telling you the media is out of control and should learn from us to get back to the basic good morals that we need and stop the block of others thoughts thats not legal and if we must unite and let them know its called stand up for your rights,while we're standing how about a dance! laffining love ya all!
Reply
10-01-2006 @ 8:57AM
nanemt said...
Isn't this supposed to be a family show? It was such a joy for the family to sit down and watch this togethr. 9:00 slot would eliminate that concept!
Reply
10-18-2006 @ 10:52PM
Jim said...
Why not just pull this lame program off the air permanently? Devote the airtime to something worthwhile. Donate some funds to homeless children, buy a wheelchair for a disabled person, do something to be proud of for a change.
Reply
10-18-2006 @ 9:27AM
ER Fan said...
I watch Idol with my teenagers before they go to bed. But... Thursday at 9 pm is Mommy time for ER every week. If I have to choose between the two... Good-bye Idol. It will be a shame that the kids will miss it, but they have a school bus to catch at 6:30 am.
Reply
10-18-2006 @ 10:05AM
shelly said...
As much as I like Idol - there is no way I will give up on the best show around, "Greys Anatomy", and I know alot of people who will feel the same way. Plus, to have to watch Idol on Friday's for the results, is suicide for the show. Kids who watch Idol are not home on Friday nights!!!! Ratings will drop. Fox needs to look at what they are putting this show up against.
Reply
10-18-2006 @ 11:24AM
Sarah said...
And please don't move House around anymore! It's been off this whole month due to baseball, and it usually gets shifted around even more when Idol starts.
Reply
10-18-2006 @ 2:30PM
Terrie Murphy said...
I'm missing House and Bones at this point. I really love Dancing with the Stars and Idol - I'm totally hooked. Thank heavens for reruns. I also love CSI and NCIS and don't want to lose them also. Too many to copy and then have to sit down and watch. Not enough time at night or weekends. I run a ballroom dance every weekend and I'm very busy Dancing.
Reply
10-21-2006 @ 9:51PM
Nancy said...
I think they better leave it at 8:00 pm on Tuesday for the younger people that like the IDOL. Most of the younger audience will be getting ready for bed by 9:00 pm.
Reply
10-21-2006 @ 11:32PM
ellen said...
I am an avid idol fan...never miss! I will have to get over idol if it is opposite Grays!!! It will be a hard withdrawal,but I wont miss Grays.
Reply
10-21-2006 @ 11:37PM
cheryl odell said...
All of this adds up to one more reason it's becoming embarrassing to be an American. Read a book, folks.
Reply