Fox does 'House' moving, sets 'American Idol' date

[November 07, 2008]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Fox's "American Idol" will return for its eighth season Jan. 13 while medical drama "House" is moving to a new night, the network said in announcing its midseason lineup.

"American Idol," the singing contest that consistently ranks as TV's most-watched series, is trying to keep the streak going by freshening its formula. A fourth judge, singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi, joins Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul this year.

"House," starring Hugh Laurie as irascible physician Gregory House, was airing on Tuesdays but will move to 8 p.m. EST Monday starting Jan. 19, Fox said Thursday.

Also shifting time slots are "Bones," moving to 8 p.m. EST Thursday as of Jan. 15; game show "Hole in the Wall," which will air back-to-back episodes at 7 p.m. EST Sunday, starting Jan. 18; and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," to 8 p.m. EST Friday, starting Feb. 13.

New series debuts include the crime drama "Lie to Me," which is getting a cushy spot following the Wednesday results episode of "American Idol." The drama starring Tim Roth will premiere 9 EST p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 21.

"Dollhouse," from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator Joss Whedon, will debut 9 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 13. The drama stars "Buffy" alumna Eliza Dushku as a member of an underground group whose personalities have been erased and can be imprinted with new, serial ones.

The counterterrorism drama "24," starring Kiefer Sutherland, is opening its new season with a four-hour special airing over two nights, Jan. 11-12, at 9-11 p.m. EST. The drama will settle into its regular 9 p.m. EST Monday slot on Jan. 19.

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[Associated Press]

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