Alyssa Milano pilot close to pickup

ABC is on the verge of picking up a comedy pilot starring ex-"Charmed" star Alyssa Milano entitled "Romantically Challenged."

According to an article on HollywoodReporter.com, "'Challenged,' from Warner Bros. TV and writer Ricky Blitt, centers on a thirtysomething man who is torn between his new girlfriend and needy best friend. The pilot, which was shot in the spring, was a serious contender for a berth on ABC's fall schedule, with female lead Milano getting strong buzz for her performance.'"

"Challenged" is among three ABC pilots that linger in midseason contention following the options for some of their cast members being extended in June. The pilots that "Challenged" are competing against are "This Little Piggy" and "Solving Charlie," which was written by Daniel Cerone and will be directed by Gregory Hoblit. Hoblit's previous directing credits include the 1996 Richard Gere/Edward Norton thriller "Primal Fear," the 2000 Dennis Quaid/James Caviezel science fiction thriller "Frequency" and the 2007 Anthony Hopkins/Ryan Gosling crime thriller "Fracture."

The HollywoodReporter.com article goes on to say, "On 'Challenged,' ABC and WBTV extended the options on Milano, who plays the girlfriend; Kyle Bornheimer, the best friend; and Kelly Stables, Milano's younger sister. The other roles are expected to be recast.'"

"Challenged" is ABC's first midseason comedy series that has been ordered this year.

The other comedy series that the network picked up includs "Modern Family," "Cougar Town" and the WBTV-produced "Hank" and "The Middle." They are slated to begin in the fall during a Wednesday night block.