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    NBC Renews 'Parks and Recreation,' 'Up All Night,' 'Whitney'

    The Hollywood Reporter – Fri, May 11, 2012 2:00 PM PDT

    NBC has continued picking up comedies for next season, renewing Parks and Recreation and freshman entries Whitney and Up All Night.

    As it looks to beef up its comedy ranks ahead of its Monday morning upfront, the ratings-challenged network is filling up its schedule with new and returning half-hour projects. Parks, Whitney and Up join previously renewed Community and 30 Rock at the network. 

    PHOTOS: Broadcast TV's Returning Shows for 2012-13 Season

    Here's a look at why the show's were granted renewals:

    Parks and Recreation
    The Thursday night comedy starring Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman and Aziz Ansari will return for a fourth season (22 episodes) after boosting the network's fortunes in the Thursday at 9:30 slot after its midseason move. The comedy created by The Office's Greg Daniels from Mike Schur remains a critical darling, with Poehler earning a pair of lead actress nominations and the series scoring one last year as well.

    Up All Night
    Created by Parks and Recreation veteran Emily Spivey the freshman comedy starring Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph earned a quick full-season order after opening strong following America's Got Talent. While the comedy cooled from its bow to a 3.7 rating in the adult demo on Wednesdays, it was a solid performer after being shifted to the prime post-The Office slot on Thursdays midseason. Its April 12 season finale garnered a 1.5 in the demo and 3.12 million viewers, decent by NBC's reduced standards and enough to propel the comedy about new parents to see a second season.

    Whitney
    Created by and starring Whitney Cummings, the comedy vehicle came out of the gate strong for a network much in need. But with critics balking and a scheduling switch, the half-hour series took a hit. Thus far this season, Whitney is averaging a 2.2 ratings in the coveted demo. Still, the stand-up comic is 2-for-2 this season with NBC granting a second season to Whitney. (CBS has already renewed the Cummings-produced 2 Broke Girls). What's more, she will soon have a Chelsea Handler-like talk project on E!

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