• by David Goetzl , October 3, 2011

ABC is turning to Facebook for some "Extreme" marketing that taps into the increased interest in online casual gaming, particularly among females. The game looks to build engagement with hit reality series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," while offering a preview of each week's episode.

The "social game" allows viewers to construct homes for families featured on episodes or play with "fictional scenarios" resembling the show's weekly arc. Construction is detailed, stretching from counter sizes to appliances that may fit with a family's "special needs."

On Wednesdays, the family featured in the next episode is added to the game, giving viewers a look at the group and their challenges. The game can be accessed from ABC.com.

The show, from Endemol USA and hosted by Ty Pennington, debuted in 2003. It has nearly 1 million "Likes" on its Facebook page, and the game is another iteration of networks looking for ways to tap into Facebook as a marketing arm.

On Sunday, ratings in the 18-to-49 demo for the second episode of "Extreme Makeover" for the season were up 10% from the week before by one measure.