'Lost' returns Jan. 31

Lost fans have long been dying to get back to the future, and their wait is almost over: ABC will debut season 4 of the island drama on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m., in place of Grey’s Anatomy.This scheduling move keeps the series out of harm’s way (read: American Idol), and will also please tired fans who had trouble last season staying up Wednesday nights until 11 p.m. Eight episodes of the show will air on consecutive Thursdays (the other half of the season is still TBD because of the strike). ABC has also set premiere dates for some new shows: Cashmere Mafia (Thursday, Jan. 3; it will air on Wednesdays starting Jan. 9); Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (Monday, Jan. 7);  Eli Stone (Jan. 31, after Lost);  and Oprah’s Big Give (Sunday, Mar. 2). By the way, Dancing With the Stars and The Bachelor kick off new seasons on Monday, Mar. 17.