Fox Orders Full Seasons of The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate

Mindy Kaling's comedy and the Dana Fox-created sitcom are the fourth and fifth new shows to get picked up for the fall, behind NBC's New Normal, Revolution and Go On

By Shawna Malcom Oct 08, 2012 7:04 PMTags
The Mindy Project2012 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Autumn De Wilde/FOX

New Fox friends Mindy, Ben and Kate are sticking around.
 
On Monday, the network handed out full-season orders to both of its Tuesday-night freshman comedies, The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate.
 
"Ben and Kate and The Mindy Project have everything we want to stand for in comedy," Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly said in a statement. "Smart writing, hugely appealing casts and comedy that feels contemporary and real, which is why we're confident they will continue to build on what is already an appointment-comedy night for young, influential audiences."

The swift pickups reflect a vote of confidence in the two series, which have garnered largely solid reviews but so far been moderate ratings performers. Ben and Kate opened to a 2.1 adults rating and 4.2 million viewers, while Mindy premiered to a 2.4 adults rating and 4.7 million viewers. In making the announcement, Fox noted that, season to date, Mindy—which was created by and stars former Office writer Mindy Kaling—is the No. 1 new comedy among the advertiser-coveted demo of adults 18-34.
 
Mindy and the Dana Fox-created Ben and Kate are the first Fox series to receive full season pickups. Last week, NBC committed to full seasons of three of its freshmen: The New Normal, Go On and Revolution, which is quickly emerging as fall's breakout drama.