'Spring return' for ABC big hitters

'Grey's Anatomy'

ABC is hoping to air new episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters in the Spring.

The network's plan relies on an optimistic reading of the state of the Writers Guild strike. Writers and producers were reportedly coming close to an agreement over the weekend but no deal has yet been confirmed.

However, TV Guide has reported that Grey's insiders were hoping to resume production in early March with a view to having four or five episodes for transmission during April and May.

A similar Spring timetable will also apparently apply to Housewives, Betty and Brothers & Sisters.

ABC also wants to begin production on newer shows such as Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money over the Summer for broadcast in the Autumn.