ABC has announced two-hour season finales for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Lost.

Here’s an interesting wrinkle: Both season concluders will air outside the May sweeps ratings period, which start April 24 and conclude May 21. On May 21, the winner of “American Idol” will be named.

It’s kind of unusual for a network to air two such crucial season finales outside a ratings period. But that’s just another sign that this season has been different because of the writers strike.

“Grey’s Anatomy” offers its season finale from 9 to 11 p.m. May 22.

“Lost” will finish its season from 9 to 11 p.m. May 29. “Lost” will preempted May 22 because of the “Grey’s” broadcast.

In a season interrupted by the writers strike, “Grey’s” will have produced 17 hours, and “Lost” will have made 14. A drama series usually produces 22 hours in a season.

“Grey’s” returns with new episodes at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24. “Lost” will shift to 10 p.m. Thursdays that evening.

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