LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC's "Ugly Betty" will be heading back to production with a smaller producing team once the Hollywood writers strike ends. Executive producers Marco Pennette and James Hayman were let go from the Emmy-winning comedy-drama Monday, the same day the series was renewed for a third season.

The critically acclaimed adaptation of a popular Latin American soap about a hapless office girl went through significant behind-the-scenes changes between its first and second seasons, when five writers were let go.

For the time being, "Betty," which is expected to produce at least four more original episodes this season, is executive produced by creator Silvio Horta, Salma Hayek and Jose Tamez.

ABC Studios, which produces "Betty," would not confirm the exits.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

i'm very surprised by this. however, from what i saw of the second season, personally speaking it's not as great as the first season, judging by the episodes. but i am glad that there will be a third season of ugly betty coming soon

having said that, marco pennette is not that great as a writer. he, along with a few other writers wrote a couple of lousy episodes for caroline in the city during the final season a couple of years back. particularly the very last one right, right before it got cancelled