The FOX upfronts were held today and as announced earlier in the weekend, Dollhouse has been granted a second season.  While I was hoping that they would pair it with Fringe, both shows seem to be remaining in their current time slots. The ABC upfronts are tomorrow and I will update you as I hear news about Happy Town.

“First, it’s a bet on creatively, and that’s something that has never changed,” Reilly said. “And I’m happy to say we’re doing that. You know how inspired Joss Whedon is. It’s a bet on Joss. The DVR numbers are a marker for us, so it is a factor, and we did see an uptick in the ratings from a 1.5 to a 2. That was a pattern for us that we liked, betting on Joss, and I think you’re going to see it grow next season.”

But is it the factor of “the devil you know,” as opposed to the bringing in a new unproven series? “Absolutely,” Reilly added. “In fact, I venture to say that if we had put new shows on Friday night, in particular there’d probably be a lot of cynicism about ‘Well, wait, … you’re creating an entire new night of television?’ Not to mention if we’d canceled Joss’ show I’d probably have 110 million e-mails this morning from the fans,” he said with a laugh. “So that’s exactly right. Bet on something that has a core that you believe can work.”

Yesterday, I posted that FOX had agreed to a second season of Dollhouse.  Thanks to End of Show, we now know what concessions had to made in order for this to happen.

The show will return for 13 episodes, with an option for more episodes if required.  Return is seen likely for Fall.  The show budget has been slashed, however the show is moving from 50 minutes per episode to 42 minutes per ep, which should help bring down some production costs.  The move will also mark a shift in creative direction of the show.

Filming on the second season is set to begin in July.  There is still no information about the fate of Amy’s character in the series but I will continue to post updates as soon as I find them.

Today is a good day.  A very good day!  The Hollywood Reporter has just announced that ABC picked up Happy Town.  This is so amazing.  Imagine if Amy is able to be on both shows… YAY!

ABC on Friday picked up three more series, sources said.

The network gave nods to new drama Happy Town and the Courteney Cox-starring comedy Cougar Town, both from ABC Studios.

Additionally, midseason drama Castle, also from ABC Studios, was renewed for a second season.

ABC wouldn’t confirm any pickups until it unveils its fall schedule on Tuesday.

Happy Town is a small-town murder mystery from the team behind October Road, creators Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg and director Gary Fleder.

The cast of the series, which has been an early favorite of the ABC brass, includes Geoff Stults, Lauren German, Dean Winters, Amy Acker, Sam Neill, John Patrick Amedori, Sarah Gadon, Jay Paulson and Robert Wisdom.

It is possible that FOX or ABC could change their minds before the official announcements on Monday and Tuesday, but for now we can be very very happy.

Dollhouse fans can rejoice!  It was just announced that FOX gave the go ahead for a 13 episode season two which will air sometime in the fall.

In a stunning move, sources say Fox has renewed Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse for next fall.

The official announcement will not be made until Monday at the network’s upfront presentation, but sources confirm a deal has been struck for another 13 episodes. Fox plans to continue the show on Fridays next fall.

This news once again comes from the Hollywood Reporter and you can view the entire article here.  At this time, there is no information about Amy’s character returning.  I’m sure it will all depend on whether or not ABC picks up Happy Town and if the filming schedules will allow her to work on both.

Wow!  Just minutes after posting my last update, there’s been some breaking news on the status of Dollhouse.  According to the Hollywood Reporter’s live feed, FOX is “leaning toward bringing back Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse next fall.”  Very exciting, especially since it comes from a fairly reliable source.  If you’re interested in reading the full article, click here.

edit: Michael Ausiello posted this:

I just upgraded Dollhouse from “a long shot” to “prospects brightening” on my Fall TV Cheat Sheet amidst buzz that Fox is on the verge of renewing the show for a 13-episode second season. The catch? Joss Whedon will have to agree to a drastically reduced budget. (Note to JW: Dumping that annoying Topher dude should free up at least 15K an episode. Just a thought.) An official decision will be announced Monday morning prior to Fox’s upfront presentation.