Seven to unleash US shows simultaneously

The Seven Network will air its American hits Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and What About Brian this month in what will become a bumper Sunday night of programming.

The network will combine the start of entertainment contest Australia's Got Talent at 6.30pm, the comedy Ugly Betty at 7.30pm, and the dramas Grey's Anatomy at 8.30pm and What About Brian at 9.30pm from Sunday, February 18.

This means Seven's biggest weapons for 2007, which include the four biggest new US shows of the past year, will air simultaneously and leave Nine with an uphill battle after the official 2007 ratings period begins this Sunday.

Ugly Betty, What About Brian and Grey's Anatomy join Desperate Housewives, Heroes and Brothers and Sisters, which have already achieved huge ratings numbers for Seven.




Ugly Betty won a Golden Globe last year for best comedy or musical TV series and best actress for its ugly duckling star America Ferrera, while Grey's Anatomy won an award for best TV series drama.

Australia's Got Talent, a contest open to all talents, is less assured of success but is being given every chance on Sunday nights, with host Grant Denyer and judges Dannii Minogue and Red Symons.

Seven is yet to confirm who will be the show's third judge.

Seven's impressive line-up will face competition from Ten's new reality show Celebrity Dog School and the finale of So You Think You Can Dance on February 18 before the return of the Sunday night movie the following week.

The ABC will continue its nature series Planet Earth at 7.30pm followed by the British drama Foyle's War.

However, Nine is yet to announce its permanent Sunday line-up after impressive ratings over the summer with the Australian cricket teams dominance of the Tri-Series against England and New Zealand.

The finals against England will be played on Friday, Sunday and if required, Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Seven also has announced the series six return of its celebrities in sequins hit Dancing With The Stars will be on Tuesday, February 20 at 7.30pm.