US networks turn to drama

Following the ratings success of recent series the US TV networks are commissioning an increasing number of new dramas. Leading the way, reports The New York Times, is ABC.

ABC, a network with some of television's biggest hits, as well as a lot of misses, will announce a new prime-time schedule today populated with a raft of new series.

It has ordered 12 new scripted series, the most of any network this season, clearly searching for some shows that will be able to match its existing hits, like "Desperate Housewives," "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy."

NBC, currently bottom of the ratings pile, is following suit.

In an unusual commitment to adding new drama to its schedule, NBC ordered six series out of the seven drama pilots it made during this development season. The network had already announced it would bring back several that had been considered on the fence for renewal, including "Las Vegas," "Crossing Jordan" and "Medium," and the six new hours will tip the network heavily in drama's direction.

The triumph of reality TV was, it seems, exaggerated.