Associated Press
The NYT reports on the massive impact 'American Idol' has on rival network schedules. (And on Fox's own schedule, for that matter.) The metaphor that makes it to the hed is that of a 'schoolyard bully' per CBS scheduler's Kelly Kahl's description, and Jeff Zucker calls it "the most impactful show in the history of television."
It's not just 'Idol's' numbers per se, or that it broadcasts thrice weekly, that makes it so hard to counter-program. It's the scope of its appeal. The show almost always wins its nights and weeks in Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Teen, which means that the only thing left standing in the time-slot is programming that aims at a more senior demographic. (By which we mean shows like 'NCIS' on CBS.)
Will audiences ever tire of this show? And if so, when? Its longevity has already defied the common wisdom, so we're skittish about making any predictions.
