'Vegas,' 'Medium,' 'Jordan' all renewed for '06-'07

LOS ANGELES -- NBC's schedule for next season is getting pretty crowded.

The network has renewed three more of its dramas -- "Medium," "Las Vegas" and "Crossing Jordan" -- for 2006-07. They join the three "Law & Order" shows and comedies "My Name Is Earl" and "The Office" in earning pickups for next year.

NBC also has a sixth edition of "The Apprentice," the likely return of game show "Deal or No Deal" and a new Sunday-night NFL package in line for fall. Additionally, drama pilots "The Black Donnellys" and "Kidnapped" have already been given spots on the schedule, and the Aaron Sorkin backstage drama "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" is all but certain to join them.

That doesn't leave a whole lot of room for other new shows looking to make the cut this pilot season. "Crossing Jordan" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," which air on Sundays, could possibly be held until after the NFL season ends in January.

It also signals that NBC will emphasize stability to advertisers when it pitches its 2006-07 schedule to advertisers at next month's upfronts. Given the network's ratings struggles of late, that may or may not be a good thing.

"Medium," which stars Emmy winner Patricia Arquette, is drawing about 11.2 million viewers per week this season. "Crossing Jordan" and "Las Vegas" both draw about 11 million viewers, with the latter having survived a move to Fridays without taking too big a ratings hit.