Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which was slated to be the lead-in for FOX hit 24 come January, has been moved due to the WGA writers' strike.  Instead of premiering in front of 24, The Sarah Connor Chronicles will now enjoy a two-night premiere, with its first episode airing on Sunday, January 13 (8PM ET/PT) and the second on Monday, January 14 (9PM ET/PT).  From there, The Sarah Connor Chronicles will air new episodes every Monday at 9PM ET/PT through March.  The Sarah Connor Chronicles was originally paired with 24, but since 24's production has been pretty much shot down thanks to the writers' strike, FOX has decided to indefinitely shelve 24.  Instead, FOX will air new episodes of Prison Break on Mondays at 8PM ET/PT, starting on January 14. 

While losing 24 as a Monday night partner, I think this move will actually be good for The Sarah Connor Chronicles' ratings.  With 24, Sarah Connor was going to be the lead-in.  Now, Sarah Connor will get the established Prison Break to lead-in to it.  If it retains most of Prison Break's audience, Sarah Connor will be doing well.

FOX had planned a two-night premiere for 24, similar to previous seasons, but not exactly the same.  While previous seasons of 24 have had a two night, four episode premiere, this year FOX had scheduled the series for a two-night three episode premiere.  Sarah Connor's two-night premiere is not close to an equal replacement and I questions FOX's reasoning behind it.

I love the fact that they are using Prison Break as Sara Connor's lead-in, but FOX will be airing the pilot on a Sunday.  The pilot for The Sarah Connor Chronicles is really good, and I think FOX should do everything they can to get as many people to watch it as possible.  I'm sure FOX will hype the hell out of Sarah Connor in the days preceding its premiere, but will it be enough?


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)