While many networks might be in trouble next Fall due to the writers' strike shrinking the new pilot season, ABC is looking quite good.  It has a solid stable of returning favorites (Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives), hit reality shows (The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars) and a solid 2007 freshman class that will return for sophomore seasons (Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Samantha Who?).  This doesn't leave much room for new or bubble shows, so this season ABC is cleaning out its closet, dumping a lot of iffy shows while picking up a few gems from other networks.

Boston Legal, whose fate appeared to be up in the air, has been renewed for another season.  Somewhat surprisingly, Eli Stone, another quirky legal dramedy, has also been picked up a second season.  Conventional wisdom may have said "two shows, one slot," but ABC has faith in both George Michaels and David E. Kelley.

The latter is evident by the fact that one of the new shows ABC is picking up will be Life on Mars, a remake of a British show that was originally brought to American TV by Kelley, though he has since left it.  The show is about a modern-day detective who gets hit on the head and winds up back in the 1970s.

For comedies, on his MySpace page, Zach Braff confirmed that Scrubs is moving to ABC for its real final season, also indicating that it could be a half-season that only airs in the Fall.  ABC may also pilfer a sitcom from CBS.  If the Eye network passes on another season of The New Adventures of Old Christine, the show is a virtual lock to jump ship to ABC.

Finally, to make room for these decisions, both October Road and Women's Murder Club are officially dead, following in the footsteps of Men in Trees.

Also Read:
FOX Upfront Preview
CBS Upfront Preview
CW Upfront Preview


-Oscar Dahl and John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of ABC)