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(Tuesday, April 05 02:07 PM)

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) As April began last year, ABC had fallen into a distance fourth place in most ratings measurements and had become the subject of jokes and mockery. Just 12 months later, ABC is second to only CBS in total viewers for the season and the network is a strong third place behind FOX and CBS in the key adults 18-49 demographic. In little surprise, then, that on Tuesday (April 5), ABC gave early pick-ups to four of the shows responsible for that turn-around.

ABC has ordered second seasons of "Desperate Housewives," "Lost" and "Boston Legal," while lining up a fifth season of "Alias."

"Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" were two of the most buzz-worthy pilots of the last development season and became out-of-the-box hits for ABC.

"Housewives," created by Marc Cherry, has become a genuine phenomenon, averaging 22.8 million viewers per week and partnering with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to turn Sunday from a liability into a strength for ABC. In addition delivering to boosting ABC's time period audience by an amazing 180 percent and stirring up countless stories in major press outlets, "Housewives" has become an awards magnet, picking up Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild trophies for outstanding comedy series.

A Golden Globe nominee for best drama, "Lost" has developed one of television's most intense fan bases in less than a season. The J.J. Abrams-produced series has averaged 15.9 million viewers per episode, anchoring ABC's Wednesday line-up.

After several seasons as a critical darling and cult favorite, "Alias" received a major boost when it was paired with "Lost" this winter. Although the drama has been battered by "American Idol" in recent weeks, its viewership of 11.2 million viewers is up by 2.8 million from last season.

Thanks to its "Desperate Housewives" lead-in, "Boston Legal" has averaged 12.5 million viewers. The "Practice" spin-off has been competitive in a tough time slot, though another of ABC's new dramas, "Grey's Anatomy," has performed far better in the same period, which could lead to a new time for "Legal" next season.


I don't know if this news has been posted in one of the show specific threads, but I thought it should get a thread of it's own. Good news, but expected!

Chris

Obviously.

But ... Great, big thumbs up for Lost and Alias.

All great shows.

I don't think ABC should get too pleased with "Grey's Anatomy" doing better in the "BL" timeslot. Far too early to consider it a hit. That said, I will follow James Spader and "BL" if it moves timeslots.

I'd be pretty pleased if I was ABC since Grey's viewership rose significantly from episode 1 to episode 2.

I fully expect BL to be moved (and remain there next season) - probably before the end of month. Likeliest place - Tuesday 10 pm to replace a sinking Blind Justice.

Is anybody watching this show???

It had a 5.8 rating last night. Not very good. I watch it and like it, but I could live without it, particularly since I think the 2 other midseason entries: Eyes (assuming the pilot is representative of the season) and Grey's are better.

Blind people.

I didn't know Boston Legal was doing so well, I thought for sure it wouldn't make it a whole season.

I'll be checking out Eyes tonight. Unfortunately, I missed the pilot but I been hearing good things about this show.

In regards to Grey, although it been getting good ratings and people seem to like it, I have no interest in watching it. I'm just tired of medical dramas.

Cool,Alias is my second favorite show (behind Survivor) and Lost is pretty good too.

I was hoping they would put ALIAS out of its and my misery.

Glad to see all these shows return. But a no brainer for Lost and Desperate Housewives.