‘Dancing’ returning at midseason

ABC is ready for another turn on the dance floor.

On the waltzing heels of its breakout success this summer, “Dancing with the Stars” will return at midseason. It doesn’t have a specific home yet, although the network could employ it as a way to give one of its drama series a rest or as a short-term replacement should one of its new shows not take off.

The unabashedly cheesy show, an adaptation of a BBC hit, which pairs (minor) celebrities with professional dancers in a ballroom competition, has been the runaway hit of the summer.

“Dancing with the Stars” averaged 16.8 million viewers over its six-week run, and the July 6 finale – which saw “General Hospital” star Kelly Monaco crowned the winner over former “Seinfeld” cutup John O’Hurley – brought in more than 22 million people.

Another tour for ‘Entourage’

With two fresh Emmy nominations and a buzz level that belies its rather soft ratings, HBO’s comedy “Entourage” has earned a third season.

Chris Albrecht, president and CEO of HBO, said the pay-cable network will aim for “as many episodes as we can get” from the deal, with 13 probably being the minimum. The show is running for 14 episodes this summer.

“Entourage” earned two Emmy nominations last week, for Jeremy Piven’s performance as sharklike Hollywood agent Ari Gold and for David Frankel’s direction of the pilot episode.

The series, which follows a movie star and his friends, has earned fairly strong critical praise and a devoted following. It’s averaging under 2 million viewers per week.