• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, January 16, 2006

ABC has opted to pull tonight's episode of the heavily promoted but low-rated new comedy "Emily's Reasons Why Not."

The mid-season comedy starring Heather Graham flopped in its Jan. 9 premiere, finishing fourth in its 9 P.M. time slot in adults 18-49. Also off the schedule Monday is lead-out "Jake in Progress," another fourth-place finisher.

The shows are scheduled to return next week. ABC will air a repeat of last week's premiere of "The Bachelor: Paris" in place of the two comedies.

ABC may be looking to insulate the shows from heavy competition Monday in the form of the "Golden Globes" on NBC and the return of "24" on Fox. It also may be looking to drum up publicity for them at the annual television critics tour this week.