HOLLYWOOD -- Fox will spend another year in "The OC," ordering a third season of the Josh Schwartz sudser.
Renewal was announced Tuesday morning, just as rumors had begun to swirl about the pending departure of Fox Entertainment prexy Gail Berman. Returning "The OC" for another season could potentially serve as one of Berman's final acts at the network.
"The OC" has helped turn the lights on for Fox on Thursdays since moving to the difficult 8 p.m. slot this season.
"The show has performed exceptionally well, achieving hit status on a highly competitive night and giving us a solid anchor on Thursdays for the first time in years," Berman said.
"The OC" has led its timeslot among adults 18-34 and has bumped the period's average in adults 18-49 by 72%.
Warner Bros. TV produces "The OC," along with Wonderland Sound and Vision. Schwartz, McG and Bob DeLaurentis exec produce.
Contact Michael Schneider at
mike.schneider@variety.com