NBC turns to crime for Wednesday shakeup

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Struggling NBC is the first network to shake up its fall lineup, rebranding Wednesdays as a crime night.

Beginning November 5, it will feature "Knight Rider," former Friday show "Life" and the return of "Law & Order."

"Lipstick Jungle," which has been underperforming in the 10 p.m. slot, is shifting to Friday starting this week -- effectively swapping places with "Life."

The shake-up represents a potential revival opportunity for "Life," which shifted from 10 p.m. Mondays to 10 p.m. Fridays this season, losing significant viewership in the process. Damian Lewis stars as a detective given a second chance after he serves prison time for a crime he did not commit.

NBC averaged 7.2 million viewers in the week ended October 19, a distant third behind CBS (11.5 million) and ABC (9.2 million). Fox, riddled with baseball pre-emptions, followed with 6.7 million.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter