sampling

Fox continues to use American Idol as a magnet to attract viewers to sample its other shows, including newbies like The Human Target. And last year, Glee. With that same philosophy in mind, Fox's Past Life is getting an American Idol boost. On Tuesday, February 9, Past Life will premiere at 9 p.m. following American Idol.

From a programming point of view, they don't go together. You're not likely to get the same viewer lapping up the songs and shtick on Idol that will get into the psychic/sci-fi vibe of Past Life. But that's not the point because ultimately, this is about getting a sample. Past Life will be on Thursday, February 11-18 after Bones, then get another post-Idol goose on February 25-March 11.