ABC sets ‘Red Widow’ premiere, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ return date

ABC has just released their midseason schedule, and it’s a rather interesting mix of shows that proves that in some ways the network is being cool when it comes to some of their new ideas, while at the same time they are completely losing their mind when it comes to others. The network had a daunting challenge to replaced canceled shows “Last Resort” and “666 Park Avenue,” but will either of their new series in “Red Widow” (which is one of the most intriguing new ideas this year) and “Zero Hour” survive where few shows have for the network? That is to be seen.

One thing that does annoy us? The network constantly shuffling comedies in their search for the perfect “Modern Family” companion, and also giving us shows about cooking (so original!) along with celebrity diving (so “who cares?”). The following are all the dates you need to know.

“The Taste” – Premieres Monday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, but will shuffle to its regular Tuesday timeslot beginning the following day at 8.

“Body of Proof” – Replaces “Private Practice” on Tuesday, February 5 at 10:00.

 “Zero Hour” – Replaces “Last Resort” on Thursday, February 14 at 8:00. Whose bright idea was it to premiere a new show on Valentine’s Day? This show will likely meet the same fate as “Missing,” “My Generation,” or “Charlie’s Angels” because of it (even if it is the February sweeps).

“Red Widow” – The two-hour premiere begins Sunday, March 3 at 9:00 following “Once Upon a Time,” but the show will shift back following “Revenge” the very next week. This is smart, so that the show can get the network’s top lead-in for its first episode.

“Dancing with the Stars” – The show returns on Monday, March 18, and the results show will be back at 9:00 this spring beginning the very next day.

“Celebrity Diving” – The diving competition (“Diving with the Stars,” if you well) starts on Tuesday, March 19 at 8:00. Now, let’s just wait for Stephen Baldwin to be cast.

“Suburgatory” – The comedy is returning to its previous 8:30 timeslot starting on Wednesday, April 3.

New comedies – ABC wants to give two separate shows a shot at following up “Modern Family” in small doses. The first is “How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life),” and it will start at 9:30 Wednesday, April 3. “Family Tools” will replace it on May 1.

For those curious, “Happy Endings” and “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” will end in March, and we have a feeling it will likely be the last we see of either of them given their dreadful ratings.