ABC Renews Three Sitcoms Early

Following FOX’s early renewal of “Glee” on Monday, ABC also announced early renewals of three comedy series—“Modern Family,” “Cougar Town,” and “The Middle.”

ABC made this announcement Tuesday morning during the Television Critics Association Press Tour.

ABC made a risky move this fall by launching a two-hour comedy block on Wednesdays with all new shows. Three of the four shows have been performing well, and one show, “Hank,” was canceled.

“Modern Family,” from Steve Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, and 20th TV, has received the greatest feedback—it has been widely praised by critics and it is the strongest show for the network on Wednesday nights.

“Cougar Town,” from ABC Studios and Bill Lawrence, stars Courtney Cox as a strong female lead. Another strong female lead is Patricia Heaton in “The Middle,” from Warner Bros. TV, Eileen Heisler, and DeAnn Heline.

Some other struggling comedies on ABC whose fates are still unsure of include “Scrubs” and “Better Off Ted.”