ABC picks up 'Private Practice'

ABC has picked up "Private Practice" for a full season, sources say.

The network has ordered the back nine episodes of the medical soap from ABC Studios.

"Practice" is ABC's tentpole show on Wednesday nights, the ringleader of a trio of sophomore series interrupted by the writers strike (along with "Pushing Daisies" and "Dirty Sexy Money").

All have returned down significantly this year, but "Practice" has been the highest rated of the bunch. The most recent episode garnered 7.4 million viewers and a 2.6 rating among adults 18-49 and a 6 share. Season to date, its averaging 8.3 million viewers and a 3.2/8. Plus, ABC points out "Practice" has been growing 45% from "Daisies."

With the "Practice" order, now every network has picked up 13-episode show for a full season this fall -- CW's "90210," Fox's "Fringe," NBC's "Knight Rider" and CBS' "The Mentalist." By picking up just one of the three Wednesday dramas, however, the move does raise the question: What will ABC do with "Daisies" and "Money"?

ABC could have an unique opportunity next week to showcase "Daisies" next week when the other networks air the Barack Obama ad. That presumes, however, the network isn't airing the ad. Sources say the matter is still on the table.

Fall TV status report updated.