CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- As its strongest season to date draws to a close, the WB is looking forward to the 2003-04 season, renewing six of its most successful series:
7th Heaven: The Frog has signed a two-season renewal of the Aaron Spelling produced series, ensuring the drama will be on the network's schedule through the 2004-05 season. As part of the deal, the WB will increase its license fee for the series so that it completely covers the costs of production. Creator/executive producer Brenda Hampton has also been locked in for the duration of the pact. To date this season "Heaven" is averaging a 2.7/8 among adults 18-43, a 4% increase vs. last year. It also remains the top drama on TV with female teens, averaging a 6.1/18 in the demo.
Charmed: The network's other Spelling produced series has also been given a green light for the 2003-04 season. Its move to Sunday nights has been nothing but positive news for the WB as the network is up 92% among adults 18-34 vs. last season's Sunday numbers.
Reba: The WB's most successful comedy will return for a third season this fall under new showrunner Kevin Abbott. The series is up an astonishing 20% in adults 18-34 vs. last season.
Smallville: A breakout success this season, the young Superman series will return for the 2003-04 season. The series regularly gives the Big Four networks a scare in younger demos in its Tuesday, 9:00/8:00c home.
Everwood: Proving to be "7th Heaven's" best companion to date, the Frog will go forward with a second season of the drama. To date the series has retained over 75% of "Heaven's" audience on average.
Gilmore Girls: With growing ratings and a spin-off in the works, it's no surprise the Gilmore clan will return for a fourth season this fall.
The six series join the previously renewed reality series "High School Reunion" and "The Surreal Life" for the WB's 2003-04 schedule.
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