Here's a sign television is returning to normal now that all signs point to the writers' strike ending this week: ABC today became the first network to announce which of its shows will be back in the Fall. Nine series were officially renewed, including new series Private Practice, Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Samantha Who?

The other five series were the usual suspects from ABC's stable of hits: Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Lost, Brothers and Sisters, and Ugly Betty will all be returning as well. Those were no-brainer renewals, but still, confirmation is nice.

Now, whether the shows will be back before Fall is still up in the air. The New York Times is reporting that Lost will air 13 instead of 16 episodes this season, Pushing Daisies boss Bryan Fuller told E! that his show will stay off the air til fall, and TV Guide has heard that many of the series can finish between four and seven episodes to round out this season.

All of that is still tentative at this point, so stay tuned as the shows sort things out after tomorrow's WGA vote. In the meantime, isn't it at least good to know that some of these first-season shows made it through the strike relatively unscathed?

Photos copyright 2008 ABC, Inc.

Love This Email Print Facebook Stumble It!