ABC, NBC to battle over female demographic

NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- In an attempt to get higher ratings among the U.S. adult female demographic, NBC and ABC are planning a new slate of related TV series.

MediaWeek.com reports both networks are developing new series oriented towards the lucrative demographic to increase their overall ratings.

ABC has teamed with Darren Star, who created the hit female-based series "Sex and the City," for the upcoming "Cashmere Mafia," which will follow "City's" example by focusing on four ambitious women's lives.

Four female friends will also be at the center of ABC's "Women's Murder Club," which will follow the group of crime-solving women author James Patterson made popular with a series of mystery novels.

Meanwhile, NBC will attempt to match its rival by offering "Lipstick Jungle," based on a novel from "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell.

"Jungle" will focus on three New York businesswomen and will be adapted for television by Eileen Heisler and Deann Heline, the Web site said.