ABC Renews Nine Shows for 2008-2009, What About the Rest?

With the writers strike wrapping up, the networks are trying to figure out what they can salvage from the current season. ABC is wasting no time and has given early renewal notices to four freshman series and five older ones. But, will we have to wait until Fall 2008 to see new episodes?

Stephen McPherson, the president of ABC Entertainment, said, “The strength of our schedule this fall was unprecedented and speaks for itself. We’re looking forward to building on that success.”

The lucky series are Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Dirty Sexy Money, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, Private Practice, Pushing Daisies, Samantha Who?, and Ugly Betty. None are a big surprise, with possible exception of Money. No word on how many episodes will be ordered of each.

ABC hasn’t indicated which shows will return sooner rather than later. It’s expected though that Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Samantha Who?, and Ugly Betty will go back into production with new episodes to air by spring. There are still six unaired pre-strike episodes of Lost and it looks like more will be added. On the flipside, we probably won’t see new episodes of Dirty Sexy Money, Private Practice, and Pushing Daisies until next fall.

ABC has been silent about its other programs; According to Jim, Big Shots, Boston Legal, Cashmere Mafia, Cavemen, Carpoolers, Eli Stone, Men in Trees, Notes from the Underbelly, October Road, and Women’s Murder Club. What about them?

Eli Stone and Cashmere Mafia have only aired a couple times. Both shows have been losing viewers from week to week but their fates may not be decided for a little while.

It looks likely that Boston Legal will be back for a new season but its not a done deal. Viewership is okay but its audience skews older. David Kelly’s show is expected to go back into production and yield five or more episodes for this spring.

There are still 11 pre-strike episodes of Men in Trees on the shelf. It’s unlikely that any more will be shot for this season and a third season is up in the air.

October Road has five unaired episodes left. The series has been performing quite poorly in the ratings despite a devoted core audience. It’s doubtful that any additional episodes will be shot for this season and prospects for a third year don’t look good.

According to Jim’s numbers haven’t been good this year and many questioned why the sitcom was given an 18 episode renewal for season seven. All 18 episodes are expected to be completed but the series almost certainly won’t be back in the fall.

Big Shots, Cavemen, and Carpoolers are all finished and likely, so is Underbelly. The final episodes of Carpoolers are scheduled to air until Tuesday, March 4th.

It looked possible that Women’s Murder Club might go back into production this season. The series usually ranks first in its timeslot. It’s now looking like Club may be closing permanently. We’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned!