ABC announced today that it's given early renewals to four of its high-rating shows early, including Desperate Housewives which got the approval for a second season.

It's unlikely to come as a surprise to anyone, but according to a press release by ABC (via The Futon Critic) Desperate Housewives has been renewed. After being the top-rated new program in the 2004-2005 season, and averaging 22.8m viewers so far, the show has helped put ABC back on the TV map. It has brought in 180% more total viewers and 194% more adults in the coveted 18–49 demographic in the timeslot compared to the last year's occupant Alias.

ABC's other success story Lost also received a second season renewal. When it premiered it was ABC's biggest new show in years, ironically to be outdone just days later by Desperate Housewives. The J.J. Abrams show rules the Wednesday 8pm timeslot, beating its nearest competition by 6.7m viewers and by 38% in the 18–49 category. Lost has improved its timeslot numbers by 6.6m viewers and by 61% in 18–49.

Although Desperate Housewives may have taken its previous timeslot and put shame to its performance, Alias was renewed for a fifth season. Thanks to the buzz surrounding creator J.J. Abram's new show Lost, and a new timeslot that follows Lost, Alias has seen a resurgence in ratings growing by 2.8m viewers and 34% in 18–49.

Finally, ABC has given a second season to Boston Legal. It normally ranks first in its time slot with 12.5m viewers and in each of the key adult demos. Timeslot wise, Boston Legal has improved the hour 39% in total viewers and by 48% 18–49 since last year.

The original press release can be read over at The Futon Critic.

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