News: ABC Renews MODERN FAMILY, COUGAR TOWN and CASTLE

What was shaping up to be a hectic day got a little bit brighter thanks to ABC. EW broke the news that the Alphabet Network gave early renewals to a handful of shows including three I watch regularly; Modern Family, Cougar Town, and Castle.

The Modern Family pick up wasn't shocking at all, but I was pleasantly surprised that ABC brought back Cougar Town and Castle so early. While neither show has been a ratings gang buster, they perform modestly and consistently, so a third and fourth season respectively seemed appropriate.

Now, the fun is figuring out where CT and Castle fit into the 2011-2012 schedule. While I'd hate CT to lose its Modern Family lead-in, it doesn't hold on to nearly enough viewers to warrant such a plumb spot, so it could either be moved to a new comedy block on a different night, or ABC could keep it at 10p/9c if their all-night comedy block ends up working. I suppose another option would be to stick it on Wednesdays at 8:30p/7:30c after The Middle, but that feels like a death sentence.

Castle may have some easier options. One of course is to keep it on Mondays at 10p/9c, but ABC might want to use Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor to build up new shows next fall. I'd hate for Castle to also lose its choice lead-ins because it is so reliant on them, but it may have strong enough legs to move to a new night. With Brothers and Sisters potentially on its way out, teaming Castle up with Desperate Housewives on Sundays seems like a good fit. I'd also like to see it shipped to Wednesdays at 10p/9c, a spot that's been tough on ABC, to get a Modern Family/Cougar Town/Castle two-hour mega block.

Where these shows is all speculation of course, but it's fun to think about especially since two of my favorite shows are definitely coming back in the fall. Thanks ABC for making my day!