Breaking: NBC picks up second season of "Parenthood"

NBC has just picked up a second season of "Parenthood."

The Tuesday night drama has benefited from its "The Biggest Loser" lead-in, as well as NBC's promo blitz during the Winter Olympics. And it couldn't have come at a better time for the Peacock, which desperately needed new 10 p.m. fare to replace the "Jay Leno Show" debacle.

"Parenthood" delivered, averaging a solid 3.2 rating and 9 share with adults 18-49 on Tuesdays at 10 p.m., as well as 7.8 million viewers. That performance has soothed cranky affiliates, which now have a stronger lead-in for their 11 p.m. newscasts on the night.

Whether or not "Parenthood" stays at 10 p.m. remains to be seen; the show was originally slated in the fall for Wednesdays at 8 p.m -- until original star Maura Tierney had to drop out due to health issues.

"We are so happy to welcome back this multi-layered and compelling series about an extended American family for another season,” said NBC primetime entertainment prexy Angela Bromstad. "It's gratifying that 'Parenthood' continues to garner critical acclaim and is generating highly positive reaction from viewers, thanks to the fearless creativity of its producers and the extraordinary performances delivered by its ensemble cast."

"Parenthood" now ranks #1 in the time period in adults 18-49 vs. regular competition, according to NBC.

Pickup means the new “Parenthood” will outlast NBC's original attempt, in 1990, to adapt the 1989 box-office hit.

Show stars Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Joy Bryant, Sam Jaeger, Sarah Ramos, Mae Whitman, Miles Heizer, Savannah Rae and Max Burkholder.

Jason Katims is behind the new adaptation, and exec produces with Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and David Nevins. Imagine Television and Universal Media Studios are the studios.