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ABC Bringing 14 Series Back

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 March 2007, 18:00 CDT

NEW YORK - Getting a jump in planning for next season, ABC announced on Wednesday that it had ordered new episodes for 14 programs that will return in the fall.

They include three series that debuted this season: the surprise hit "Ugly Betty," the drama "Brothers & Sisters" and Anne Heche's Alaskan sojourn "Men in Trees."

Most of the other returnees are no surprises. "Grey's Anatomy,""Desperate Housewives,""Lost" and "Boston Legal" will all be back.

ABC is also committed to several of its successful reality shows, including "The Bachelor,""Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,""Dancing With the Stars,""America's Funniest Home Videos,""Supernanny" and "Wife Swap."

The late-night "Jimmy Kimmel Live" will also be back in the fall, said ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson.

None of the network's comedies, including long-running series like "According to Jim" or "George Lopez," received an early commitment for next fall. The broadcast networks all announce their fall schedule to advertisers in May.

ABC is averaging just under 10 million prime-time viewers, down from 11.4 million a year ago. The network argues that some erosion was expected with the departure of "Monday Night Football," but it has also been hurt by the unexpected decline of "Lost" in its third season.

The network's biggest move, shifting "Grey's Anatomy" to Thursdays, has been a big success.

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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

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On the Net:

http://www.abc.com

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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