ABC is moving forward into the midseason landscape with only minor additions and scheduling changes compared to competitors FOX and NBC. But in a similar fashion to the latter network, ABC is going to expand their Wednesday night comedy lineup past the usual 10PM mark and run it all the way to the 11PM news. On February 9 Cougar Town goes on hiatus and freshman comedy Mr. Sunshine, starring Matthew Perry and Allison Janney, will take its place in the 9:30PM slot. New one-hour medical drama Off the Map will follow at 10PM. This will remain in effect through April 6. Beginning April 13 Cougar Town returns to its regular 9:30PM spot and Off the Map will be replaced by Happy Endings starring Elisha Cuthbert (24) and Zach Knighton (FlashForward). Since this will run as a standard half-hour comedy, ABC will run Modern Family “fan favorite” episodes in the 10:30PM slot.
In other scheduling news, reality show Secret Millionaire will occupy Extreme Makeover: Home Edition‘s Sunday 8PM position starting March 6, new medical drama Body of Proof starring Dana Delany and Jeri Ryan premieres Tuesday March 29 at 10PM and V returns Tuesday January 4 at 9PM. Look after the break to see the new ABC Wednesday comedy block. And click here to read synopses and watch previews of all the new series.
The Wednesday schedule for Feb. 9 through April 6:
8 p.m. The Middle
8:30 p.m. Better With You
9 p.m. Modern Family
9:30 p.m. Mr. Sunshine
10 p.m. Off the Map
The Wednesday schedule beginning April 13:
8 p.m. The Middle
8:30 p.m. Better With You
9 p.m. Modern Family
9:30 p.m. Cougar Town
10 p.m. Happy Endings
10:30 p.m. Modern Family fan favorites