ABC picks up raft of new series

US network ABC has picked up full seasons of fairytale drama Once Upon A Time and comedies Last Man Standing and Happy Endings.

These pick ups mark the latest full series orders for the Disney-owned broadcaster following announcements for further episodes of comedy Suburgatory and drama Revenge.

Once Upon A Time, which is produced by ABC Studios and distributed by Disney Media Distribution, is the number one rated drama of the season; the show, which is produced by Lost producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, opened with ratings of over 12 million.

Last Man Standing, which marks the return of Home Improvement star Tim Allen to broadcast TV, also opened strong with over 13 million viewers for its premiere, although this has fallen slightly in recent weeks. Last Man Standing is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and distributed internationally by its sister sales arm.

Separately, ABC has renewed returning comedy Happy Endings. The Elisha Cuthbert-fronted series, which is produced by ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television, launched last season with soft numbers but has improved significantly in the ratings to earn a full second season. The show is distributed internationally by Disney.