Fox sees a ‘Joe’ in its future

As the February ratings sweeps came to an end Wednesday, TV networks unloaded a flurry of announcements about future programming plans, including several series renewals for next season.

ABC said that all of its comedy series will be back in the fall -- including freshmen “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter” and “Life With Bonnie” -- along with the spy drama “Alias.” Fox said it has picked up the suspense drama “24” for a third season.

Fox executives also said they are planning a second installment of “Joe Millionaire,” but didn’t provide details on how it would work now that the public is wise to the deceit gambit.

-- Lee Margulies