The TV Addict 

NEW & NOTABLE:
Always quick to capitalize report on a tragedy, ABC will air a prime-time special about Jackson’s life at 9PM, followed by FARRAH FAWCETT: HER LIFE, HER LOVES, HER LEGACY, a special edition of 20/20 hosted by Barbara Walters.

Over on NBC, the peacock network will dedicate the 9-11PM slots to retrospectives on both Jackson and Fawcett’s remarkable careers while CBS will air a prime-time special on Jackson at 10PM which may also include coverage on Fawcett’s career.

BURN NOTICE (9PM USA)
While Michael is away infilitrating a gang in order to take down a highly sought-after criminal, Sam must face down his most challenging foe yet: The IRS (Da-Da-Duh!)

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (9PM FOX)
Two more dancers have their dreams crushed on national television. Awkward.

At least a few execs over at ABC are probably hoping that once they finally are able to get shows back into production, audiences will be watching — and not asking — SAMANTHA WHO?

What if fans who had just begun to fall for the romantic comedy have, like the lead character, developed a case of amnesia, forgetting over the past few months that it even exists?

What if DIRTY SEXY MONEY’s prolonged absence sent those who’d begun to get into the primetime soap’s groove feeling shopping elsewhere for entertainment?

It’s long been said that the daytime soaps — which have been in a downward spiral for years — lost their momentum after being bumped for endless weeks by coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial. Eventually, viewers who’d spent years making daily visits to places like Pine Valley and Genoa City found other ways in which to spend their time.

That’s exactly the situation currently facing execs as the writers strike finally seems to be wrapping up. Established shows such as UGLY BETTY or LAW & ORDER will have less trouble luring viewers back, seeing as the channel surfers already have had time to develop loyalty to the characters and storylines.

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