ABC Moving Lost to Wednesdays at 10PM

ABC is moving Lost out of the way of the American Idol juggernaut, according to Variety.

The network unveiled a January schedule that has the Wednesday drama moving back an hour to 10 p.m. when it returns Feb. 7.

This marks the third timeslot for the show in as many years - ensuring that the series will not have to compete with the popular Fox reality show.

A year ago, Lost had respectable ratings at 9 p.m. during the fall but took a notable ratings hit once American Idol returned in January. The series has since held steady in the ratings, but ABC executives don't want to risk further slippage.

In addition to shielding Lost from American Idol, ABC is also protecting it from rising CBS drama Criminal Minds and NBC's Deal or No Deal, which moves into the 9 p.m. Wednesday slot next month.

ABC has decided to place two comedies in the Wednesdays at 9 p.m. slot to compete directly with American Idol ... Knights of Prosperity will air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and In Case of Emergency at 9:30.