ABC Family brood growing

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC has picked up the light drama pilot "The Middleman," as well as an untitled drama project from "7th Heaven" creator Brenda Hampton.

Sources said ABC Family also is ordering for series development the pilot "Roomies," subject to recasting one of the roles.

Meanwhile, the cable network has opted not to renew the drama series "Wildfire" beyond the current fourth season.

"Middleman," from writer-producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach, stars Natalie Morales as a twentysomething struggling artist recruited by a secret agency to fight comic-book-type villains. Matt Keeslar plays the title character, a sci-fi superhero who serves as her guide.

The Hampton project is described as a teen relationship series similar in sensibility to "Juno." The show is said to have received a six-episode order.

"Roomies," from the writing duo of Robin French and Kieron Quirke, revolves around a group of friends living as roommates.

"Wildfire" was picked up for a fourth season in November 2006, before the series' third season had premiered. The ensemble cast includes Genevieve Cortese and Greg Serano.

ABC Family launched an aggressive development effort in fall 2007 with a quartet of pilots: "Middleman," "Samurai," "Roomies" and another comedy, "Happy Campers."