ABC cuts 'Romantically Challenged' order

Series star Alyssa Milano will guest on network's 'Castle'

By Nellie Andreeva

Nov 13, 2009, 03:18 PM ET

Updated: Nov 15, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

ABC has cut the order for midseason comedy "Romantically Challenged" from 13 to seven episodes. Meanwhile, series star Alyssa Milano has been recruited for extra duty on the network with a guest stint on the sophomore drama "Castle."

The order reduction for "Challenged" is for inventory reasons, an ABC rep said. The network has picked up three of its freshmen comedy series, "Modern Family," "Cougar Town" and "The Middle," for a full season and has two more comedies, "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted," on deck for midseason.

"Challenged," from Warner Bros. TV and writer Ricky Blitt, centers on a thirtysomething man (Josh Lawson) who is torn between his new girlfriend (Milano) and his needy best friend (Kyle Bornheimer).

The pilot didn't make the cut in May but was picked up to series in August and underwent casting changes.

On "Castle," mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) works with the NYPD; Milano will play his ex-love.

ABC cuts 'Romantically Challenged' order

Series star Alyssa Milano will guest on network's 'Castle'

By Nellie Andreeva

Nov 13, 2009, 03:18 PM ET

Updated: Nov 15, 2009, 11:00 PM ET