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Last spring, Fox TV did something pretty radical. It decided to air the first episode of a new fall series in May. That was a long lead time for a series, but Fox was confident in the new program. The show was called 'Glee' and the success of that preview coupled with the breakout status when it officially re-premiered in September made Fox's year.

And the guy who gets credit for that and now a new three-year extension is entertainment chief Kevin Reilly. Here's an executive who was dumped by NBC -- great move, Jeff Zucker -- and has done really well at Fox. It's not only 'Glee,' but that's the most flashy, current ratings and pop culture hit.

Those of us who watched 'Glee' prior to its September debut on Fox knew that it was something special. The combination of teenage antics, musical gusto and spirited characters make it a deliciously fun dramedy. So it was no surprise when it became the breakout hit of the season for the network. Yet despite its excellent ratings and loyal viewership, the sassy singing show is going on hiatus for the second time in two months.

The first break was not terrible. It occurred between late October and mid-November, which some of us could tolerate, but this time 'Glee' will be leaving the airwaves from December 9 to April 13 to make way for Fox's prime musical contender, 'American Idol'. Now we know that 'Idol' is a ratings monster that crushes the competition, but is that any reason to deny the growing legions of Gleeks their weekly fix?