'Joey' given a second season

Friends spinoff Joey has been commissioned for a second season despite an unspectacular ratings performance.

US network NBC announced that the sitcom would be back for a new run in 2005-06, citing its title of the best new comedy in the key adults 18-49 demographic.

Also confirmed for an early pickup are political drama The West Wing (seventh season), the forensic-themed Crossing Jordan (fifth season) and the casino-based Las Vegas (third season).

Additionally, medical drama ER has been extended for an additional two seasons through its fourteenth in 2007-08.

Kevin Reilly, president of NBC Entertainment, explained: "The continuing quality and popularity of these series make them the mainstays of our year-to-year schedules. Coupled with our innovative current development plans, we feel we have the right mix of returning and fresh, new breakout hits for a promising 2005-06 schedule."