Fox has it all figured out for midseason, and of course it all starts with the return of "American Idol."
The reality competition show returns for its ninth season with a two-night premiere Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 8-10 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 8-9 p.m.
Debuting after the Wednesday "Idol": "Our Little Genius," an unscripted series featuring "America's most gifted kids," Fox says.
Shows that will be taking a break include "Glee," which airs its fall finale Wednesday, Dec. 9, and then is off until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, a new night for the musical show that potentially pits it against ABC's "Lost." And "Fringe" airs its winter finale Thursday, Feb. 4, and then goes on hiatus until it returns Thursday, April 1.
Also, as previously announced, Joss Whedon’s "Dollhouse" airs its series finale Friday, Jan. 22 (9-10 p.m.).
On Sunday, Jan. 17, Fox airs the NFC divisional playoff (4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT). That's followed by the series preview of "Human Target" (8-9 p.m. ET/PT) (left), an action-drama about a private contractor (Mark Valley) who will stop at nothing – even if it means becoming a human target – to save his clients. The season premiere of "Human Target" airs Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 9-10, following "American Idol."
The Jan. 17 lineup concludes with the first installment of the two-night, four-hour premiere of "24" from 9-11 p.m., with another two hours of "24" Monday, Jan. 18, from 8-10 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 10, will be devoted to "The Simpsons," beginning with the animated series’ milestone 450th episode, “Once Upon a Time in Springfield” (8-8:30 p.m.), in which Bart and Milhouse try to help Krusty regain his popularity after network executives force him to restructure the format of his TV show by hiring a female sidekick, Princess Penelope (guest voice Anne Hathaway).
Then, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock presents "The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: in 3-D! on Ice!" (8:30-9:30 p.m.). The documentary special examines the global phenomenon of the "Simpsons" the “Best. 20 Years. Ever.” yearlong global celebration of the show that launched in January 2009.
A new season of "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsay debuts Friday, Jan. 29, at 9 p.m.
"Past Life,"
a new drama series inspired by the book “The Reincarnationist,” about detectives who investigate the world of the unexplained, will have its two-hour series premiere Thursday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. Its time period premiere will be at 9 p.m. the following Thursday, Feb. 18. As reported, the show will spell "Fringe," which will take a hiatus in order to run uninterrupted new episodes in 2010.
Todd Holland's family comedy "Sons of Tucson," about three young brothers who hire a charming, wayward schemer to stand in as their father when their real one goes to prison, debuts Sunday, March 14 (8:30-9 p.m.).
Here's Fox's recap of its 2009-2010 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE
(All times ET/PT except as noted)
MONDAY
Monday, Jan. 4:
7:30 PM-CC ET TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL (LIVE)
Monday, Jan.
