• by Wayne Friedman , August 7, 2011

New nostalgia-themed broadcast TV will appear more on ABC than any other network this fall. And after next season, ABC fans -- especially fans of "Desperate Housewives" -- will be feeling more reminiscent.

Recognizable brand names like "Pan Am" and "Charlie's Angels" return, as does the new sitcom "Last Man Standing," starring Tim Allen. All hope to propel ABC out of its past season third-place post.

"Obviously, there is a lot to do," says Paul Lee, president of ABC Entertainment Group, speaking at the Television Critics Association meeting in Los Angeles.

Concerning the familiar brand names on the network, Lee says they only have a specific early value to bring in viewer sampling. "It's great to have the leg up that a Tim Allen can give you. But the proof is in the pudding."

Lee took the time with critics to announce that its long-time seven-year-old series "Desperate Housewives" was ending. The series, along with "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy," reversed ABC's fortunes seven years ago -- taking it from low ratings to high and making the net a real contender for prime-time audiences.

While all broadcast networks' ratings went lower this season -- except for Univision -- analysts say ABC's stagnant position in third place among 18-49 viewers for all English-language broadcast networks is worrisome. But Lee says momentum is on its side. "We closed off the last seven weeks of the season in second place," he said.

Like other network chiefs, Lee wants to push ABC to produce more programming year round. A major reason is the too many, too noisy network marketing efforts that compete for viewers. This fall, ABC will be sending out three dramas first: "Pam Am," "Charlie's Angels" and "Revenge." Three weeks later, it will stagger the launch of more shows.

"April is a great month to launch shows," said Lee. "January can be a great month to launch shows. So can June."