'Happy Endings' Moves To Friday As ABC Shuffles Midseason Schedule

ABC Moves 'Happy Endings' Yet Again

The "Happy Endings" scheduling saga may be nearing a sad conclusion. ABC announced Wednesday that the beleaguered ensemble comedy would be moving yet again, this time to Friday nights, beginning March 29.

The critically acclaimed series will air back-to-back episodes from 8-9 p.m. EST, taking over the slot from "Last Man Standing" and "Malibu Country" after the two series conclude their respective sophomore and freshman seasons.

This is the latest in a long line of scheduling woes for "Happy Endings." After the cancellation of "666 Park Avenue," ABC tested the comedy on Sunday nights (in addition to its regular Tuesday slot) in an attempt to draw more viewers, before it was bumped from the Sunday schedule a few weeks later. Its timeslot partner, "Don't Trust The B---- In Apartment 23," was pulled from air last month, leaving "Happy Endings" airing back-to-back episodes on Tuesdays.

"Happy Endings" star Eliza Coupe recently admitted that she wished ABC was a little more supportive of the series, telling ETOnline: "It's a running joke on set when we film something we all think is incredible that someone goes, 'Oh man, that was so good -- it's too bad no one will ever see it.' ... Do we wish there was more publicity? Yeah. But it's undeniable we're making a great show. I just wish we had more of a push, and I really hope we get a fourth season -- but that's not up to me."

It's not all bad news for the series, though -- star Elisha Cuthbert was just named Maxim's Most Beautiful Woman on Television ... so someone must be watching.

At the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in January, ABC President Paul Lee expressed his appreciation for the series, telling reporters, "We're proudly behind ['Happy Endings'] on Tuesdays ... [it's] ready [to stand on its own] and we're going to do that as we go."

Still, actions speak louder than words, and though many shows have managed to carve out a solid niche for themselves at the end of the week (including "Grimm," "Fringe" and the recently-relocated "Supernatural"), the night is still considered TV's deathslot by many in the industry. ABC execs will likely be looking to see if "Happy Endings" can match the modest but reliable ratings that Tim Allen and Reba McIntyre's more traditional comedies bring in on Fridays as they assess the show's future.

The alphabet network also announced a premiere date for the latest season of "Celebrity Wife Swap," which will return on Tuesday, February 26 at 8 p.m. EST, shifting "The Taste" back to the 9 p.m. hour. The first "Celebrity Wife Swap" episode will feature Playmate Kendra Wilkinson and “Kate Plus Eight” star Kate Gosselin swapping lives, children and homes.

"Happy Endings" currently airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

Do you think "Happy Endings" will be cancelled or renewed for a fourth season?

'Happy Endings' Season 3

'Happy Endings' Season 3

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