NBC orders fourth season of 'Chuck'

LOS ANGELES, May 14 (UPI) -- NBC says it has renewed its U.S. action-comedy series "Chuck," starring Zachary Levi, for a fourth season.

The network also said it has picked up the new dramas "The Cape" starring David Lyons; "Outlaw" starring Jimmy Smits; and "Harry's Law" starring Kathy Bates and Ben Chaplin, as well as the comedy "Friends with Benefits," starring Ryan Hansen and Jessica Lucas, for the 2010-11 season.

The announcement was made Friday by Angela Bromstad, president of prime time entertainment at NBC and Universal Media Studios.

"The addition of these four inventive series to our new scripted lineup demonstrates a wide spectrum of creative stories," Bromstad said in a statement. "We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show."