ABC takes risks with large order of new series

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC has the industry buzzing about its 11 new series pickups.

That is far more than any of the other Big Four networks, which have each ordered six to seven new series.

Given the hefty production and marketing costs as well as the traditionally high failure rate, a large slate of freshman shows certainly means a major financial commitment for the Disney-owned network.

While ABC's number of new series pickups is on par with last year, when the network ordered 12 scripted pilots to series, the large number of new shows greenlighted this time around still came as a surprise given that ABC did much better with its freshman series this season -- including "Ugly Betty" and "Brothers & Sisters" -- than it did last season.

Additionally, the network already renewed 13 primetime series in March. Seven of them are scripted, including two shows on the verge of cancellation, "Boston Legal" and "Men in Trees." They were joined this week by returning freshmen "October Road" and "Notes From the Underbelly."

Meanwhile, veteran "According to Jim" also is said to have a chance to return, but a final decision has yet to be made.

"Miss/Guided," which stars Judy Greer as an ugly duckling returning to her alma mater as a guidance counselor, was the 11th show added to the lineup. It joins the buzzworthy "Cavemen," the Christina Applegate starrer "Sam I Am" and the male buddy comedy "Carpoolers."

Led by the "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff "Private Practice," ABC's drama bunch for next season also includes "Eli Stone" and "Everwood" creator Greg Berlanti's "Dirty Sexy Money," the female ensembles "Cashmere Mafia" and "Women's Murder Club," the paranormal fairy tale "Pushing Daisies" and the male CEO ensemble "Big Shots."