ABC Seeks 'Security' Opposite 'American Idol'

By Rick Porter, Zap2It.com | December 5, 2008

'Homeland Security USA'

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Unscripted show moves into spot opposite FOX's behemoth

ABC is hoping that the Department of Homeland Security will be able to provide it some protection against "American Idol" in January.

The network has booked an unscripted show called "Homeland Security USA," which follows agents in the DHS' various departments as they patrol the country's borders, coastlines and airports. It's scheduled to premiere at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, Jan. 6, a week before FOX raises the curtain on the new season of "Idol."

The new show takes the place of "According to Jim," which had originally been scheduled for the 8 p.m. Tuesday spot but will now fill in elsewhere.

"Homeland Security USA" is an American take on the Australian show "Border Security." Each episode -- filmed with the cooperation of the various agencies involved -- will follow several cases across the country and be grouped by theme. The premiere, called "This Is Your Car on Drugs," will include stories about border agents discovering drugs wrapped in diapers at the Washington-British Columbia border; a woman with a suitcase full of "titillating surprises" at Los Angeles International Airport; and a catalog of unusual items that pass through an International Mail Center in Carson, Calif.

Arnold Shapiro ("Big Brother") is executive producing "Homeland Security USA."