If another month has gone by, it must be time for ABC to shake up Lost's time slot yet again.  It seems like every time the show goes away for a bit the network moves it somewhere else.  In the past, the show has aired Wednesdays at 8pm, then 9pm, then 10pm, until finally settling on its current home of Thursdays at 9pm.  Now, according to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, the series will be kicking off its final batch of season 4 episodes in late April in yet another time slot:  Thursdays at 10pm, following brand new episodes of Grey's Anatomy.  The other big news is that the final arc for season 4 may have one more episode than we previously suspected.

With all of the big news coming out regarding Lost since the strike wrapped up, let's recap what we know. Season 4 of Lost will have a total of 13 episodes, down from the 16 that were originally ordered.  These missing three episodes will be produced down the line, possibly in addition to season 5.  The series will continue to air its first batch of episodes, without interruptions, Thursdays at 9pm.

Here's where some of the new information comes in.  Lost was originally supposed to air eight episodes, then have about a four week break before returning with its final five installments.  Now ABC is considering holding the eighth episode until late April, using it to kick off the remainder of season 4.  That means that Lost will air a total of seven episodes, take a break for about a month, then return Thursdays at 10pm with six episodes remaining.

It's all a little bit confusing, but apparently episode seven has a more logical stopping point than episode eight does, hence the decision.  This also allows for more episodes to air after Grey's Anatomy, which ABC is betting will be a great lead in for the series.  If the time slot works out, ABC may keep Lost there permanently, or at least until they change their minds again.

Is this a good move for Lost?  I suppose it could be, at least in the ratings.  While the show isn't exactly compatible with Grey's, the medical drama may bring in some new viewers.  However, I'm not a fan of such a complex show airing at 10pm, as it usually leaves me up way past my bedtime with theories swirling around in my brain.  I'd rather Lost continue airing Thursdays at 9pm, but I guess those doctors at Seattle Grace won't allow it.


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TVGuide.com
(Image courtesy of ABC)