ABC Boss Talks Comedy Pickups, Struggling Betty and Future of Castle

Steve McPherson addresses the Alphabet network's successes and failures

Right off the bat at ABC's winter Television Critics Association panel Tuesday morning, head honcho Stephen McPherson gave reporters this tidbit of goodness: The Alphabet net has officially picked up Modern Family, Cougar Town and The Middle for second seasons.

Things don't look so hopeful for Scrubs and Better Off Ted, but it's not all bad news—the network is standing behind fan faves Castle and Ugly Betty. Whoo!

Here's what Stephen had to say:

• McPherson says the network is disappointed in the way Ugly Betty has performed on Friday nights, but don't expect Team Suarez to close up shop anytime soon. He told reporters, "We still love that show," and expressed hope that it would grow in its new Wednesday time slot with a little more marketing support.

• McPherson says ABC loves Castle and show runner Andrew Marlowe, and notes that as a procedural, Castle repeats extremely well for the network. And guess what? Heat Wave, the second Nikki Heat book from Richard Castle, is planned for a September 2010 release.

• Dancing with the Stars is still an ABC staple, with no end in sight. Season 10 kicks off on Monday, March 22, this time cutting contestants down from 12 to 10.

• Scrubs and Better Off Ted aren't dead yet. "I love those shows," said Mr. President. "I did resurrect Scrubs, so I would hope that there's a potential that that could grow, but I'm not going to lie and say those numbers are working for us." As for our fan hopes that either Scrubs or B.O.T. could take over for Kelsey Grammer's fallen Hank at 8 p.m. Wednesday, McPherson says, "We didn't feel those shows were compatible with Wednesday night. That night is very strong, and we can find a replacement for the Hank time slot." A decision on the fate of both Scrubs and B.O.T. will be made when the current string of episodes ends later this month.

• Most of the Grey's Anatomy crew is around for the long haul. McPherson says, "There's a few [contracts] that are different, but most [main stars] are secure for two or three more years. Katie [Katherine Heigl] is taking time off to be with her new baby, but the main cast is secure."

• ABC is sticking with Jimmy Kimmel, telling critics that they love him and are happy with their late-night lineup as is, thankyouverymuch.