With the writers' strike effectively over, ABC is getting back into the show-making business.
The Alphabet net announced Monday that nine fan—and advertiser—favorites would be returning to the small screen next fall, with full-season renewals for Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Private Practice, Pushing Daisies, Samantha Who? and Dirty Sexy Money.
"The strength of our schedule this fall was unprecedented," ABC Entertainment President Stephen MacPherson said in making the pickup announcement. "We're looking forward to building on that success."
When exactly they plan to start building is a little less clear.
While the network was quick to tout its fall lineup, it has yet to confirm its spring one. Reps have refused to comment on which shows will go back into production to salvage what's remaining of the 2007-2008 TV season and which will simply remain on hiatus until production resumes for the forthcoming season.
E! News has learned that writers and actors for Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Lost, Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty and Samantha Who? will be among the first back to work, trying to crank out as many new episodes as possible to carry the network through to May sweeps.
Meanwhile, Pushing Daisies, Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money, the network's Wednesday-night triumvirate, will, per Mediaweek, stay dark, leaving only repeats until the new season.
But the news is not all good from ABC headquarters. The network appears ready to put viewers and critics alike out of their collective misery and deep-six two freshman sitcoms. Mediaweek reports the Geico commercial-inspired Cavemen and the Jerrys O'Connell- and Minor-led Carpoolers are goners; however, ABC has declined to confirm the cancellations.
Then there are the shows in limbo. ABC has yet to render a verdict on Boston Legal, Men in Trees, October Road and Women's Murder Club.
The fate of the midseason entries Cashmere Mafia and Eli Stone is also undecided. ABC is no doubt waiting to see how the ratings pan out for the remainder of their respective runs before making a decision.