ABC renewals “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and four other shows; “Has ambitions” to renew “Desperate Housewives”

Greetings from the start of week 2 of the TV Critics Association Winter Press Tour.

Today it’s all about ABC!

Paul Lee, president of ABC Entertainment Group, announced during a morning session that Modern Family, The Middle, Cougar Town, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Castle have already been renewed for another season.

I like all of those shows but am especially happy to see any show renewed that has prominent LGBT characters who are actually given storylines. That would be the case with Callie and Arizona on Grey’s Anatomy and Cameron and Mitchell on Modern Family.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays Mitchell on Modern Family, quickly reacted to news of a third season on Twitter:

jessetyler Excited about Modern Family’s early renewal. I’d like 2 take this time 2 announce that this year will be my last. #Farewell Season. #Emmy 37 minutes ago via web

I assume he’s kidding!