‘Notes’ moves away from ‘Idol’

ABC is taking the unusual step of scheduling a new sitcom, “Notes From the Underbelly,” at the late prime-time hour of 10 p.m. -- a move that follows Fox’s expansion of the “American Idol” results show.

“Notes From the Underbelly,” a comedy about pregnancy and parenthood, was to debut next month in the 9:30 p.m. Wednesday slot. Then came word that Fox’s “American Idol” would grow to an hour on April 11, April 18 and May 2, occupying the 9-10 p.m. slot.

This week, ABC said the sitcom would instead air Thursdays at 10 p.m. starting April 12, with two half-hour episodes airing back-to-back.