ABC Adds Slew of New Shows, Shrinks Dancing with the Stars

NEW YORK: ABC has slated a mix of new dramas and comedies, as well as a highlight alternative series, to join returning hits on its prime-time schedule, which will see Dancing with the Stars now airing just one night of the week.

New dramas announced for the network include Betrayal, starring Stuart Townsend and Hannah Ware. Killer Women has Modern Family‘s Sofia Vergara attached as an executive producer. Lucky 7 stars Isiah Whitlock Jr. of The Wire and is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, among others. Marking Marvel’s first TV series, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. comes from exec producers Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. Other dramas making the list include Mind Games, featuring Christian Slater; Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz; and Resurrection, starring Omar Epps.

ABC has also lined up a number of comedies, including Back in the Game, about an all-star softball player, and The Goldbergs, from Adam Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison. Mixology comes from Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (The Hangover) and is set in a high-end New York City bar. Super Fun Night was written by Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids), who stars and serves as co-executive producer as well. Trophy Wife is about a reformed party girl, played by Malin Akerman, who finally gets married.

The Quest is a new reality adventure series headed to ABC. The show watches as 12 contestants embark on the journey of a lifetime when they enter the world of "Everealm." Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, who are behind The Amazing Race, have worked on the series with the producer of the Lord of the Rings franchise. The network also went for a new special, Toy Story of Terror, from Disney/Pixar. It features the voice cast from the hit motion pictures.

Dramas returning to the network are Castle, Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville, Once Upon a Time, Revenge and Scandal. Comedies that have landed renewals are Last Man Standing, The Middle, Modern Family, The Neighbors and Suburgatory. Also headed back to ABC are America’s Funnies Home Videos, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars and Shark Tank.

Paul Lee, the president of ABC Entertainment Group, said: “We are taking some big swings with groundbreaking shows this season, and staying close to our roots with smart and sophisticated storytelling. ABC is known for its combination of innovation and stability, and our new schedule reflects that. We’re bringing back the shows that viewers have embraced and enhancing the lineup with a slate of exciting new series.”