ABC’s ‘Stars’ to stay on dance floor longer

By Andrew Wallenstein

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – ABC’s “Dancing With the
Stars” is about to step on NBC’s toes.

Just one day after NBC revealed it would move hit comedy
“My Name is Earl” to Thursdays at 9 p.m., ABC announced Friday
it is expanding “Stars” episodes to 90 minutes. That will take
the network’s summer hit, originally scheduled on Thursdays
from 8-9 p.m., through 9:30 p.m. — directly against “Earl.”

ABC also announced a time slot for a half-hour results show
for “Stars,” Fridays at 8 p.m., and scheduled new crime drama
“In Justice” at 9 p.m. Fridays. That will put reality series
“Supernanny” on hiatus, and move sitcom “Hope & Faith” to 8:30
p.m.

Sliding in behind “Stars” at 9:30 p.m. Thursdays will be
new comedy “Crumbs.”

The expansion of “Stars” reflects just the latest jockeying
for position on Thursdays, primetime’s richest night in terms
of advertising revenue. In addition to NBC’s “Earl” move, Fox
moved comedies “That ’70s Show” and “Stacked” to 9-10 p.m.,
where they will face off against CBS’ reigning hit, “CSI.”

“Stars” will kick off its second season with a two-hour
episode. The new expanded edition is believed to reflect an
expanded roster of celebrity dancers; ABC is expected to
disclose participating hoofers this week.

Both “Stars” and “Earl” premiere January 5. “Justice” bows
January 6 and “Crumbs” starts January 12.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter