WB gives 'One Tree Hill' full season

Basketball / family drama One Tree Hill has been picked up by the WB for the rest of the season.

The news means another nine episodes of the series - which stars Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty as brothers in a small North Carolina town - will be shot, taking the network's full season orders on new shows to six.

Ratings have been on a steady increase since its premiere in September, but that wasn't the only factor in the WB's decision.

"The most important thing we consider when picking up a show is its creative momentum," said Jordan Levin, WB co-CEO. "One Tree Hill has grown creatively each week with broadening characters and emotionally resonant storylines.

"It's also a show that is generating that elusive thing called 'buzz,' and we believe it has a chance to become one of the most significant series on our schedule for many years to come."