LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The CW has settled on a launch date for "Life UneXpected" while ABC is tabling its new reality competition series "Let's Dance."
In addition, the Alphabet has ordered five additional episodes of its freshman drama "The Forgotten" while "Eastwick" will wrap its freshman run after 13 episodes.
The news caps the end of a busy day at the broadcast networks. This morning NBC confirmed several developments, including the December 14 start date for "The Sing-Off" (read the story).
As for The CW, the netlet is expected to roll out "UneXpected" on Monday, January 18. The newcomer will take over for "Gossip Girl" at 9:00/8:00c for several weeks before settling into the 8:00/7:00c slot, currently home to "One Tree Hill," in the spring.
Said scheduling is designed to minimize the number of its notoriously low-rated repeats on the night. Following their November sweeps runs, The CW will have at least a dozen episodes each of "Hill" and "Girl" yet to air. "UneXpected" has a 13-episode commitment, including its pilot. Firm dates, as well as the rest of its midseason plans, are set to be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, the shelving of ABC's "Dance" reportedly is the result of casting difficulties. The five-episode series had been set to debut on Monday, November 23 at 9:30/8:30c. In its place, the Alphabet is set to launch "Find My Family," a reality series which follows the stories of people desperate to find a long-lost friend or relative. The project, hosted by Lisa Joyner and Tim Green, received a six-episode order earlier this year.
And finally, "The Forgotten's" five-episode extension brings its season total to 18 episodes. "Very excited," co-executive producer KristieAnne Reed tweeted about the news. To date the series has averaged 8.08 million viewers and a 2.1 rating among adults 18-49, including a 2.0 rating in each of the past six weeks.
As for "Eastwick," the freshman drama is averaging 5.73 million viewers and a 2.0 rating among adults 18-49. The series however fell to a series low 1.6 rating in the key demographic last week. "Eastwick" is currently taking a two-week break and is due to return on November 25.
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