ABC Picks a Fight with ‘Parenthood’

The network isn’t giving NBC a free pass on Tuesdays, dumping “The Forgotten” for a week in order to better compete with Ron Howard’s new drama

 ABC is turning to "20/20" to beef up a couple of key timeslot.

The network has ordered at least two special editions of the newsmagazine in March, both designed to help the network better compete in the month.

On Tuesday, March 2 at 10 p.m., Deborah Roberts will anchor "20/20: Before They Were Famous." The pre-fame special replaces "The Forgotten" for a week — and on the same night NBC is premiering its much-touted "Parenthood."

It’s a logical move however you look at it. While it’s doubtful "20/20" will do gangbusters, it could improve on what "The Forgotten" has been averaging coming out of "Lost." ABC clearly sees no reason to give NBC a free pass.

 What’s more, with "Parenthood" at least likely to get sampled following lots of promotion during the Olympics, why waste a first-run "Forgotten" on that night?

Also, as previously noted, ABC will air a two-hour "20/20" devoted to "The Bachelor" on Monday, March 15.

Good to see ABC News and ABC Entertainment playing so nicely together.

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