• by Wayne Friedman , August 28, 2007

ABC is amping up the marketing of its new shows, offering a series of half-hour preview specials for its affiliates in the coming weeks.

ABC, which is launching eight new shows this fall--the most of any broadcast network--will have three summer preview specials.

"ABC Fall First Look: The New Wednesday!" focuses on one of the network's major nights, giving a sneak peek to new dramas "Pushing Daisies," "Private Practice" and "Dirty Sexy Money." The writers and editors of Entertainment Weekly will contribute their thoughts.

"ABC Fall First Look: Bigger Bolder Thursday!" will review two of the network's big hits--"Ugly Betty" and "Grey's Anatomy"--as well as offering clips on new shows "Big Shots" and "Women's Murder Club." People editors will offer insights.

Then ABC will air a special about comedies--"ABC Fall First Look: The New Funny!"--giving a sneak views of "Samantha Who?," "Carpoolers" and "Cavemen"--as well as "Ugly Betty." Editors from TV Guide will weigh in.

Network affiliates have specific week-long periods in August and early September to run the specials on an exclusive basis. After that, ABC stations will share them with its other platforms--for example, abc.com, SoapNet, ABC Family--through September 23.

In the past, many networks have used this approach to help market shows in the slow summer periods. Last year, ABC focused on specific catch up specials before and during the season for "Lost," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Ugly Betty."