ABC renews "The Middle," "Modern Family" and "Cougar Town"

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ABC's three sophomore comedies will all become juniors — the network has renewed "The Middle," "Modern Family" and "Cougar Town" for third seasons in 2011-12.

While ABC Entertainment president Paul Lee also had words of praise for freshman sitcom "Better With You," that show was conspicuous by its absence from the list of renewed comedies. And, clearly, it's the weak link in that strong Wednesday-night lineup.

"Mr. Sunshine," the Matthew Perry sitcom that debuts in February (temporarily bumping "Cougar Town" off the schedule) could be a much stronger contender.

Stay tuned ...