ABC picks up 'Modern Family,' 'Cougar Town,' 'The Middle'

Every ABC Wednesday comedy except for 'Hank' gets a back-nine

By HitFix Staff Friday, Oct 9, 2009 10:23 AM

ABC picks up 'Modern Family,' 'Cougar Town,' 'The Middle'

Courteney Cox of 'Cougar Town'

Credit: ABC

ABC has given full-season orders to three of the four shows in its solid Wednesday night comedy block.

According to Variety, ABC ordered back-nines for critical hit "Modern Family," Courteney Cox's "Cougar Town," plus the well-regarded "The Middle."

The move is a solid vote of confidence for the trio and hardly a surprise.

In addition to being one of the fall's best reviewed shows, "Modern Family" has averaged 10.5 million viewers and an impressive 3.8 rating in the 18-49 demo despite some slippage over the weeks.

"Cougar Town" has also played well, airing after "Modern Family." The comedy, which earned mixed reviews, has averaged 9.5 million viewers and held onto the "Modern Family" demo audience.

The returns have been less positive for "The Middle," which has averaged only 7.8 million viewers and a 2.4 rating in the demo, but ABC may be considering the show's positive reviews and the fact that it has built on the critically maligned "Hank."

Given that "Hank" was down to under 6.5 million viewers and a 1.6 demo rating in its second airing, it's no surprise that it has yet to receive the back-nine order.

Also still waiting at ABC are shows including "The Forgotten" and "Eastwick."