ABC A "Lost" special will focus on characters played by Matthew Fox, left, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway and three others.

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‘Lost’ hopes to hook new
viewers with April special

ABC has approved a one-hour "Lost" special to air on April 27 in the series' regular Wednesday time slot.

Sources said the program, produced by the network's marketing and programming departments, will be an introductory guide to the series, offering more than just unused clips.

The "Lost" special will include tidbits of information about six of the main characters that have already been revealed since the series began airing in September. The characters will retell their stories "in a linear fashion" -- an idea by Lost" co-creator Damon Lindelof -- to show how their stories are interwoven, a source said.

The special will focus on the characters of Jack (Matthew Fox), Kate (Evangeline Lilly), Locke (Terry O'Quinn), Sawyer (Josh Holloway), Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) and Sayid (Naveen Andrews).

A similar special also is being prepared for ABC's other hit, "Desperate Housewives."

"There can be a reluctance on the part of the audience to invest in these kinds of shows," said ABC's Lance Taylor in a published report. "What we're trying to do is keep those tent doors open and invite as many people in as possible to enjoy the last part of the season."

ABC wants to do everything possible to ensure both series finish the season in the biggest way possible.

One segment of the "Lost" special will focus on the island on which the characters are stranded.