ABC has greenlit five projects to series, according to two people familiar with the network’s decision.
The network is expected to officially reveal greenlights for three dramas and two comedies as early as Monday. The orders will allow the network to make good on its promise to load up the second half of the 2008-09 season—and possibly next summer—with new programming.
Among the dramas moving forward:
—“Cupid,” a remake of the 1990s ABC romantic drama about a man who thinks he’s the god of love. Rob Thomas produced the original and is supervising the new take.
—“The Unusuals,” a cop drama starring Amber Tamblyn (“Joan of Arcadia”).
—“Castle,” which features Nathan Fillion as a Stephen King type who helps the NYPD solve cases. Murder, he wrote?
—“Better Off Ted,” a comedy from Victor Fresco about a normal guy who works for an immoral company. Portia di Rossi stars.
—“Single With Parents,” a comedy that marks Alyssa Milano’s return to ABC.
ABC picked up pilots for the projects last spring, after the writers strike ended. It chose not to rush the projects into development, however, holding off on pilot screenings until earlier this month.
(Edited at 7:26 p.m. ET.)