Alias renewed for 2003-2004 season

[Pavan]

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE THAT DEMONSTRATES A STRONG
SHOW OF CONFIDENCE IN ITS NEW SCRIPTED PROGRAMMING,
ABC ANNOUNCES EARLY 2003-2004 SEASON ORDERS FOR SEVEN SERIES:
“8 SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER,” “ACCORDING TO JIM,” “ALIAS,” “GEORGE LOPEZ,” “LESS THAN PERFECT,” “LIFE WITH BONNIE” AND “MY WIFE AND KIDS”
Popular Series Join “NYPD Blue” in Early Pick-Ups
Network Also Re-ups “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “The Bachelor” Franchise

In an unprecedented move that demonstrates a strong show of confidence in its new scripted programming, the ABC Television Network has picked up seven current series for the 2003-2004
season, including all four of its freshman comedies: “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter,” “According to Jim,” “Alias,” “George Lopez,” “Less Than Perfect,” “Life with Bonnie” and “My Wife and Kids.” The announcement was made today by Lloyd Braun, chairman, ABC Entertainment Television
Group, and Susan Lyne, president, ABC Entertainment.
These successful series join previously-announced pick-up “NYPD Blue. ”
“These seven shows have demonstrated both creative growth and an ability to compete in their timeslots,” Ms. Lyne said in making the announcement. “Each one plays a key role in our current schedule, and they will be the building blocks for launching our new series next season.”

With significant sampling on its post-Super Bowl telecast, “Alias” hit its highest ratings ever in Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. Since then “Alias” has maintained its momentum, outpacing its average prior to the Super Bowl by 12% in Total Viewers (10.1 million vs. 9.0 million) and by 18% in Adults 18-49 (4.7/10 vs. 4.0/9). Versus the same point last season, “Alias” is up by 3% in its core demographic of Adults 18-34 (3.8/10 vs. 3.7/9) and by 9% among Teens 12-17 (2.4/7 vs. 2.2/7).
“Alias” stars Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, Michael Vartan, Lena Olin, Bradley Cooper, Merrin Dungey, Carl Lumbly, Kevin Weisman and David Anders. The series, from Touchstone
Television, was created by J.J. Abrams, who executive-produces along with John Eisendrath and Ken Olin.