Last December, it was announced that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition had been cancelled after nine seasons and 200 episodes. ABC said that the show would return in late 2012 for some seasonal specials.

They’ve now set airdates and given us some details on those specials but the press release refers to them as episodes. Is this a 10th season after all? The website lists the episodes as being part of season nine, which ABC had officially said ended last January. Huh?

I suspect this is a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing at the network. I guess the important thing for fans of the show is that there are eight new hours of life-changing remodeling coming soon.

Here’s the press release:

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” COMES HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH FOUR HOLIDAY-THEMED SPECIALS ON ABC

Jenny McCarthy Guest Hosts Thanksgiving Episode

The heart-tugging, original feel-good series, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” returns to ABC with four special holiday-themed episodes. The first episode will premiere MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), immediately following the “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars” Performance Finale on the ABC Television Network. The remaining three episodes will air on the following three Mondays, December 3, December 10 and December 17.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 (9:01-10:00 & 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET):

WATSON FAMILY – Guest host Jenny McCarthy visits the Watson Family of Knoxville, TN in a special Thanksgiving-themed show. The Watson family has adopted children and runs a home for single mothers in need called Restoration House. The episode features a visit to the “Wipeout” set and an appearance by UFC Champion fighter Jon “Bones” Jones.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET):

ZDROJ FAMILY – In a special Christmas-themed episode, host Ty Pennington visits the Zdroj Family of Smithville, TX. Mizzy Zdroj is a female firefighter volunteer whose own home was destroyed by the largest wildfire in Texas history. The episode features an appearance by BMX biker Matt Hoffman, Chef Art Smith and some special guests from “Star Wars.”

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET):

FRIDAY FAMILY – Host Ty Pennington brings a special holiday surprise the Friday family of Lincolnton, NC. The Fridays have been foster parents to more than 30 children, including adopting a family of five siblings. The episode features an appearance by racecar driver Michael Waltrip, the NBA Charlotte Bobcats’ female dance troupe, and even The Grinch shows up to help with the build.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET):

HARRIS FAMILY – Host Ty Pennington and the team of designers visit the Harris family of Smithville, TX for a Christmas-themed wounded veteran episode. While on patrol in Iraq, Shilo Harris was wounded by a massive IED blast. Shilo now fights for other wounded warriors to find jobs and emotional support upon their return to civilian life. The episode features appearances by J.R. Martinez (“Dancing with the Stars,” “All My Children”) and Country Music superstar Lee Greenwood, who performs “God Bless the U.S.A.”

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which aired for nine seasons on ABC, transformed the lives of thousands of deserving families and galvanized communities and businesses to help their neighbors in need. “EM:HE” also put a spotlight on causes that touched these families, ranging from the treatment of serious illnesses or accident victims and the importance of foster care & adoption, to helping veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and the plight of the homeless, to campaigning against texting while driving and building coalitions to end bullying. Celebrities including First Lady Michelle Obama, Elton John, Robin Williams, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Glenn Close, Tyler Perry, Mary J Blige, Carrie Underwood, David Duchovny, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Usher, KISS, Rihanna, Jessica Alba and Derek Jeter are among the many who “got on the bus” over the years to join the show. In addition, the series won multiple Emmys for Outstanding Reality Program, received six Emmy nominations, won two People’s Choice Awards and an NAACP Image Award, in addition to other honors.

“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

What do you think? Are you surprised that ABC is bringing the show back for holiday episodes?