ABC still playing 'Murder' game

By James Hibberd

March 31, 2008, ET

ABC is giving "Murder" a chance.

For the return of freshman series "Women's Murder Club," the network is shifting the series from Fridays to a higher-profile Tuesday night slot.

The move is the latest chapter in production plotline that's had its twists and turns this season. Last fall "Murder" received by mixed critical reviews and struggled in its Friday time period, but was thought to still have growth potential. The writers strike interrupted production, and co-creators co-showrunners Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, along with exec producer R. Scott Gemmill, were let go in February.

ABC said they would give the series a second chance if producing studio 20th Century Fox Television could land another qualified showrunner. Enter Robert Nathan ("Law & Order"), who took over "Murder" for its remaining three episodes this season.

"Murder" returns April 29. To make room for the show, ABC will shift "Boston Legal" from Tuesdays at 10 p.m. to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. The network also announced that "Men in Trees" will return Wednesday, May 28 following the run of "Boston Legal."

ABC still playing 'Murder' game

By James Hibberd

March 31, 2008, ET