ABC to order sixth and final season of Private Practice?

ABC is reportedly considering renewing Private Practice for a sixth and final season.

The Grey’s Anatomy spin-off is widely seen as a “bubble show” meaning its future could go either way; renewal or cancellation. However, the fact its ratings recently picked up following its move to Tuesday evenings could work in its favour. Deadline reports that ABC is in talks to renew Private Practice for a final season compromising of 13 episodes.

There is now something of a trend of broadcasters renewing shows for final seasons to allow story-lines to be wrapped up and a finale properly crafted. ABC’s Desperate Housewives is a notable example of this as is Fox’s recent renewal of Fringe for a 13 part final season. The CW is said to be considering ordering a sixth and final season of Gossip Girl to allow story-lines to be tied up and fellow drama One Tree Hill (and prior to that Smallville) were both given final season orders by the broadcaster.

As ABC considers the fate of Private Practice fellow “bubble shows” Body of Proof and new drama GCB (Good Christian Bitches) still hang in the balance. Body of Proof is a stronger seller internationally but its domestic ratings are not high enough to automatically save it while GCB hasn’t settled down all that well in its Sunday evening slot. Deadline reports that ABC is expected to air its remaining pilots before deciding the fate of either Body of Proof or GCB.

[Written by Doug Lambert]