In a strategic move to compete with more muscle for Thursday night ratings, Fox has moved American Idol to Thursday to battle with CBS’ The Big Bang Theory in the midseason. Consequently, the network has bumped Fringe to a dreaded Friday night time slot.

From the looks of the Fox 2010-2011 Midseason Schedule, it seems like a missed opportunity not to use Idol to help Human Target’s ratings (only serves as lead-in for three episodes in late January to early February), but you can see below how the network is manipulating Idol around in January.

FOX 2010-2011 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE

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WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, Jan. 5 and 12:

8:00-10:00 PM            HUMAN TARGET (All-New, Two-Hour Episodes)

Wednesday, Jan. 19:

8:00-10:00 PM            AMERICAN IDOL (Two-Hour Season Premiere, Part One)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 26:

8:00-9:00 PM              AMERICAN IDOL

9:00-10:00 PM            HUMAN TARGET (All-New Episodes)

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 16:

8:00-10:00 PM            AMERICAN IDOL (Two-Hour Episodes)

Wednesdays, beginning April 6:

8:00-9:30 PM              AMERICAN IDOL (90-Minute Episodes)

9:30-10:00 PM            BREAKING IN (Series Premiere)

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Fridays, beginning Jan. 28:

9:00-10:00 PM            FRINGE (Time Period Premiere)

Do you think the move to Friday nights will tie the cancellation noose around Fringe’s neck?

[The Shakedown]

Just when Fringe is really breaking out to show that it is one of the best sci-fi shows to ever be on the air, this news comes down. I can understand how Fox is trying to be more competitive for ratings, but fans, don’t let this get you down. Keep watching Fringe no matter what time it’s on! This show has muscle and legs that others simply don’t. It’s craftily intelligent and visually stunning with constantly intriguing plotlines and Emmy-worthy performances. Show your support for the show by keeping with it!

[Source] Fox