Fox has decided to aim a missile directly at heart of ABC's young comedy hit "Modern Family."
The network Friday confirmed that it will move new drama "Human Target" from its originally announced 9 p.m. Wednesday time slot to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Its replacement: The "American Idol" results show, which had been set to air at 8 p.m. Wednesdays.
"Target" will still get some exposure behind "Idol" for one week, with the Jan. 20 episode airing at 9. But starting Jan. 27, it'll be "Target" at 8 and "Idol" at 9.
The move isn't really a surprise. Fox has often played with the "Idol" results show scheduling, sometimes airing it at 8 and sometimes at 9. What's more, "Target" is a broad-skewing show and could be able to open the night opposite relatively weak competition.
Still, the shift could make it tougher for "Modern Family" -- which is produced by Fox sibling 20th Century Fox TV-- to gain momentum in the winter. The same is true for ABC's "Cougar Town," which now must also face off against the "Idol" behemoth.
