Early Pickups Announced by ABC

BURBANK: Twelve returning series on the ABC schedule, including Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters and Private Practice, have been given early pickups for the 2009-2010 season.

Ugly Betty, currently in its third season, was among the shows whose future had been in doubt. In addition to Brothers & Sisters and Private Practice, other returning fare includes America’s Funniest Home Videos, back for its 20th season; The Bachelor; Dancing with the Stars; Desperate Housewives for a sixth season; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; Grey’s Anatomy; Lost; Supernanny and Wife Swap.

Season to date, ABC claims four out of the top ten highest-rated series in the 18-to-49 set, including the top two scripted shows: Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy. Total viewership is up by 6 percent on last year.