American Idol is simply a programming juggernaut.  Unlike most network fare the show is actually attracting bigger audiences than this time last year.  With all this going for it you wonder why the producers can't figure out how to end the show on time.  Week after week the "live" show ends five to ten minutes late making those who are recording it on Tivo and DVR's furious because they miss the conclusion and Fox affiliates crazy because the overruns affect their ratings for local news.  The Washington Post has a nice story detailing the show's answer to getting off on time that has fans steaming mad.