New seasons for 'Grey's', 'Daisies', more

ABC has given early pickups to nine of its top-performing series for the 2008-09 season.

The news guarantees new runs for dramas Lost, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and Grey's Anatomy, as well as the comedy Ugly Betty.

Four new series have also been granted second seasons, despite only limited time on air before the writers' strike took effect. They include Grey's spinoff Private Practice, Anna Friel drama Pushing Daisies, the comedy Samantha Who? and familial drama Dirty Sexy Money.

"The strength of our schedule this [year] was unprecedented and speaks for itself," said Stephen McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment. "We're looking forward to building on that success."

Notably missing from the early pickups list are Boston Legal and Anne Heche drama Men In Trees.