This February sweeps is going down as one of the most competitive ever, as the nets -- NBC in particular -- shuffle their skeds midstream.
According to insiders, Fox's resurgent position (thanks to megahits "Joe Millionaire" and "American Idol") has particularly stunned NBC. Peacock entertainment prexy Jeff Zucker even gave an impassioned speech to staffers last week urging them to ratchet up the competition.
NBC will attack Fox's "American Idol" on Tuesday with summer hit "Dog Eat Dog," which moves into the 8 p.m. slot formerly used for comedies beginning Feb. 25.
"Dog" will actually have a special preview on Monday, Feb. 24, at 10 p.m. following a two-hour "Fear Factor." Peacock no doubt hopes to disrupt the premiere of CBS comedy "My Big Fat Greek Life" at 9:30.
The addition of "Dog" means NBC will have three hours of reality on its sked, joining Monday's "Fear Factor" and Saturday's "Meet My Folks."
Before the launch of "Dog," NBC will stunt in the Tuesday 8 p.m. period during the sweep with two "Outrageous Game Show Moments" specs (Feb. 11 and 18).
Hoping to stay competitive, on Thursday, Feb. 13, NBC is pre-empting "Scrubs" and "Good Morning Miami" for two 40-minute "supersized" "Friends" (including a repeat guest starring Freddie Prinze Jr.) followed by a 40-minute "Will & Grace."
"Scrubs" and "Good Morning Miami" will also be preempted tonight. The shows are back on Feb. 20.
Meanwhile, Fox isn't planning on giving a free ride to ABC's finale of "The Bachelorette," opting to air the one-hour spec "American Idol: The Best of the Worst" from 9-10 p.m. on Feb. 19. That puts it opposite the final hour of the Alphabet's dating series.
Contact Rick Kissell at
rick.kissell@variety.com