NBC picks up series to full season

US network NBC has picked up a number of its freshman series including The Event for full seasons despite falling ratings.

The broadcaster has picked up Universal Media Studios-produced series The Event, Law & Order: Los Angeles and comedy Outsourced to full seasons.

The broadcaster is keen to re-establish, and cement its profile with writers and the creative community following its decision to scrap its 10pm drama slot last year in favour of The Jay Leno Show.

The Event’s full season order has also been attributed to the fact that the company’s international distribution arm NBC Universal International Television Distribution has sold the Blair Underwood-fronted conspiracy drama to nearly 200 territories and it is set to launch in major markets soon including the UK, where it will air on Channel 4.

The Event drew 11 million viewers to its premiere but dropped to 7.46 million by its third week, while Law & Order: Los Angeles has also struggled along with veteran series lead in Law & Order: SVU.

“We are pleased with the quality of The Event, Law & Order: Los Angeles and Outsourced and feel they are an important part of helping to re-build our schedule and our studio pipeline. We believe in these new series and the creative auspices behind them,” said Angela Bromstad, president, primetime entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios.