ABC doled out some good news to producers Thursday morning, giving early pickups to its top primetime performers. Others weren’t so lucky — yet — although momentum is building for the returns of "Samantha Who?" and even "Scrubs," which was originally expected to close shop after the season.
There weren’t many surprises in the Alphabet’s renewals, which included key series "Desperate Housewives," "Grey’s Anatomy," "Brothers and Sisters," "Private Practice" and "Lost," which had already been given a go-ahead and will now complete its final season next year.
Biggest news was probably a firm go-ahead for another season of bubble show "Ugly Betty," but ABC execs had been hinting for months that the show wasn’t in danger.
On the unscripted side, staples "Dancing With the Stars," "The Bachelor," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "America’s Funniest Home Videos," "Wife Swap" and "Supernanny" are a lock for 2009-10.
Speculation continues to grow that the Alphabet may find a way to bring back "Scrubs" for a ninth season after all.
Although not on Thursday’s pick-up list, "Scrubs" has had enough of a creative streak this season — and ABC still lacks much in the way of half-hours — that a deal to bring the show back is now quite conceivable.
According to insiders, talks continue about ways to lower the show’s license fees and bring back most or all of the cast, including star Zach Braff (who would perhaps do at least a portion of the episodes).
The other real question mark on ABC’s sked remains "Samantha Who?"
Once a solid Monday night performer and shoo-in for renewal, "Samantha" struggled on Thursdays — so much so that the show was pulled two weeks earlier than expected, with seven episodes still in the can.
That means "Samantha" remains on the bubble, although insiders believe the show will ultimately get another season on air.
Also among half-hours, there remain fans inside ABC of "Better Off Ted," which has earned strong reviews even though its ratings haven’t reflected that.
"Surviving Suburbia" hasn’t made any friends with critics, but if producer MRC offers to bring back the show at a lower license fee, it might still find a way to return next season. Then there’s "In the Motherhood," which is now off the air — likely for good.
On the drama side, bubble shows include midseason hours "Castle," "The Unusuals" and "Cupid."
Alphabet was said to be hopeful about "Unusuals," giving it a Tuesday night showcase this week in addition to its Wednesday home. But that experiment fell short, likely hurting the show’s chances. With "Cupid" not making much noise that gives "Castle" the best shot of the three to return next season.
Back to the returning shows: Pickups make it season six for "Desperate Housewives," "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Lost." It’s the fourth season — bringing it close to off-net sale time — for "Brothers and Sisters" and "Ugly Betty." "Private Practice" is entering its third year.
Among the reality shows, "America’s Funniest Home Videos" will hit its 20th season this year; "The Bachelor" is back this fall with its 14th cycle; "Dancing With the Stars" will return with its ninth set of celebs; "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is back for a seventh season; and "Supernanny" and "Wife Swap" are both back for their sixth year.
The complete 2009/2010 fall season for all networks will be announced in mid-May.
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