Earlier, we reported about some very strong rumblings that Lost will return next year (read: 2008), at a different time, and possible even on a different day.  But what new time would work best for the show?  Let’s take a look at some options…and for the sake of this discussion, we’re assuming here that ABC will try to fit Lost into its lineup without shuffling any existing programming, that the other networks’ lineups will stay largely unchanged, and that Lost will return in January of 2008.

Monday

The producers have said that they want it out of the late timeslot of 10/9c.  ABC has a pretty strong foothold in the 8/7c slot with Dancing With The Stars.  That leaves the 9/8c slot, but that would put it in direct competition with FOX’s 24, NBC’s Heroes, which are both pretty heavy hitters, and CBS’s Two and a Half Men, which is, inexplicably, the highest rated comedy on television.

Tuesday

The whole point of the move to the late slot on Wednesdays was to get away from American Idol’s shadow, so moving to the 8/7c slot wouldn’t make sense, as it would put it against the Idol behemoth again.  The 9/8c would put it up against House, L&O:CI, and The Unit, all of which it could hold its own against…but ABC has the Dancing with the Stars results show foothold, so no go.

Wednesday

9/8c would put it directly up against Idol again.  That leaves the 8/7c, and that’s where Lost used to be back during the first season.  In this case, that would put it up against Jericho.  While the post-apocalyptic CBS drama is not necessarily a dominating force, both shows definitely aim for the same audience, which could present a problem for Lost.

Thursday

ABC’s got a pretty established block, with Ugly Betty at 8/7c and Grey’s Anatomy going at 9/8c, so there’s really not much flexibility for Lost to fit in there.

So what’s the verdict?  Thursday has the established block, while potential openings in Monday and Tuesday’s schedule are met with some pretty stiff competition.  The most logical choice would be to move it back to Wednesdays at 8/7c.

Again, this is all ceteris paribus  (I like sounding smart).  Check back Monday, and we’ll go a little more in depth on how ABC could reshuffle its lineup to find a stronger offering.