NBC Signs On For More 'Chuck,' 'Life'

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 27) - A geek-turned-spy and a cop who served time will continue to grace the small screen: "Chuck" and "Life" became the first freshman series to get full-season pickups at NBC.

The dramas follow ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" as the only rookie series to get full-season pickups since the start of the writers' strike Nov. 5.

"Life" has shut down production because of the strike, and while "Chuck" remains in production, it was unclear how many scripts the series had ready before the strike began. There's still no word on pickups for NBC's other freshman dramas, "Bionic Woman" and "Journeyman."

"'Chuck' and 'Life' stand out in a crowded TV landscape because they are smart, well-produced series with incredibly talented casts," said Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "Both shows are hitting their stride creatively, have developed loyal audiences and offer unlimited potential to grow throughout the season."

"Chuck" stars Zachary Levi as a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government's most vital secret agent.

The series airs at 8 p.m. Mondays, where it's averaging 8.4 million total viewers and a 3.4 rating/9 share in 18-49. For the November sweep, "Chuck's" 3.1 rating in 18-39 was on par with "Deal or No Deal's" May sweep rating in the same time period.

"Life," which stars Damian Lewis as a police officer who returns to the force after having been falsely imprisoned, is averaging 8 million viewers and a 3.0/9 in 18-49 in its 10 p.m. Wednesday slot. "Life" held onto its entire 18-49 lead-in from "Bionic Woman" for the first time Nov. 14.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter