WB Picks Up Six Series

[Brett Ferino]

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - The WB's 2003-04 schedule likely won't look much different from its 2002-03 lineup.

The network, which is working on the best season in its eight-year history, has picked up six of its current series for next season. Family drama "7th Heaven" got a two-year order, extending its run through 2005.

The other shows assured of returning next season are "Everwood," "Gilmore Girls," "Smallville," "Reba" and "Charmed."

Assuming no series moves from its current timeslot, The WB will have a returning series on four of the six nights that it broadcasts. It's a point network executives will surely stress to advertisers in selling up-front ad positions later this spring.

"The long-term stability of scripted programming creates the foundation for any successful entertainment network," WB Entertainment President Jordan Levin says. "These renewals represent a blend of newcomers and veteran shows that continue to attract loyal audiences."

The network has also ordered second editions of its unscripted shows "High School Reunion" and "The Surreal Life."

"Smallville" and "7th Heaven" have traded spots as The WB's most-watched series this season. The young-Superman drama is averaging about 7.3 million viewers a week, while "7th Heaven" is close behind at 7.1 million viewers. The other renewed shows bring audiences ranging from 4.7 million to 5.7 million people each week.

Missing from the pickup list are WB stalwarts "Angel" and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." The network's contract with 20th Century Fox, which produces "Angel," is up after this season and would have to be renegotiated.

"Grounded for Life" and freshman comedies "What I Like about You" and "Greetings from Tucson" are also on the bubble.