Smash Hit Drama From ABC Studios and the Mark Gordon Company to Return in 2009 With 18 All-New Episodes — Year’s #1 Cable Drama Among Women 18-49 and Women 25-54 –

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., July 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Buoyed by a record-setting second season that has catapulted the drama into the top spot among women, Lifetime Television is ordering a third tour of duty for “Army Wives,” it was announced today at the TCA Press Tour by Andrea Wong, President and CEO, Lifetime Networks.
Eighteen episodes have been ordered for the third season, which will begin in 2009. “Army Wives” airs Sundays at 10PM (ET/PT).

The most successful series in Lifetime’s 24-year history, this season “Army Wives” ranks #1 among women 18-49 and women 25-54 on all of ad supported basic cable.
Said Wong, “Since premiering last year, ‘Army Wives’ has become a game-changer for Lifetime. Announcing this early renewal is a testament to the enormous faith and confidence we have in this show and its incredibly talented cast and production team. ‘Army Wives’ exemplifies what Lifetime is all about — friendship, compassion, humor and heart. We are very proud of both its water cooler resonance and its success.”

“In its first two seasons, ‘Army Wives’ has broken performance records on Lifetime and set exemplary standards for quality drama television,” said Mark Pedowitz, president of ABC Studios. “The show’s strong cast and storylines relevant to current culture resonate with viewers. We expect the momentum to continue, and look forward to working with our partners at Lifetime on another exciting season.”

“Army Wives,” about the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women — and one man — living with their spouses and families on an active army post and the pressures and traditions of the military on those who are left behind, is filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina and stars Kim Delaney, Sally Pressman, Brigid Brannagh, Brian McNamara, Sterling K. Brown, Wendy Davis, Drew Fuller and Catherine Bell. Mark Gordon and The Mark Gordon Company’s President of Production, Deborah Spera serve as executive producers. Nick Thiel and series creator Katherine Fugate also serve as executive producer. The series is based on the book Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Military Marriage by Tanya Biank, who serves as a consultant. “Army Wives” is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC Studios is a leader in the development, production and strategic distribution of entertainment content across television and emerging digital platforms. As a key content driver for the Disney-ABC Television Group, the studio will produce 22 productions for broadcast and cable television in the 2008/09 season.

LIFETIME is the leader in women’s television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Source: Lifetime Networks , marketwatch.com