ABC Family Renews 'Switched at Birth,' Two Comedies and Orders More 'Bunheads'

ABC Family is shoring up its scripted programming.

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The cable network said Friday it has renewed freshman drama Switched at Birth -- which returns Monday, Sept. 3, for the final season one episodes -- and comedies Baby Daddy for a second season and Melissa & Joey for a third. Additionally, ABC Family has ordered more episodes of Amy Sherman-Palladino's ballet drama Bunheads, which ends its summer run Monday.

Bunheads will return with new episodes in the winter, with Baby Daddy and Melissa & Joey returning in spring 2013. The news comes on the heels of the previously announced Beverly Hills Nannies reunion special airing Sept. 4.

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“Two years ago, we embarked on a bold strategy to grow the breadth and scope of original programming and create a Wednesday night summer comedy destination,” ABC Family president Michael Riley said. “The new series have resonated with our viewers, and the combination of drama, comedy and reality brings great depth to our lineup. Our stable of strong series continues to grow, and I’m thrilled with the strength of our schedule.”

Added Kate Juergens, executive vp original series programming and development at ABC Family: “I’m so pleased to add more Baby Daddy and Bunheads to our lineup and to have already put a Beverly Hills Nannies reunion special into production. So many returning originals spotlight how well our programming resonates with our audience. It also furthers our promise to continue to deliver programming that is engaging, optimistic and relatable.”

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Baby Daddy, about a twentysomething (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) who is left to raise a baby, launched as the top comedy series in the network's history. Bunheads centers on a Las Vegas showgirl (Sutton Foster) who moves to a sleepy coastal town and takes a new role at a small dance school.

ABC Family opted not to renew Jane by Design for a season two.

ABC Family will launch the new season of The Lying Game in the coming months and will air the final two episodes of Pretty Little Liars in the summer. It is developing several potential projects with Pretty Little Liars executive producer Marlene King, Jennifer Lopez and others.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com