(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — In what can only be called the biggest TV marriage in recent memory, the ABC Television Network has extended the contracts of its “Desperate Housewives” and their creator, Marc Cherry.
Marcia Cross (Bree), Teri Hatcher (Susan), Felicity Huffman (Lynette), Eva Longoria (Gabrielle) and Nicollette Sheridan (Edie) may soon become the richest women on television as the stars have signed a new four-year deal with ABC Television Studio to continue their work on the ABC comedy-drama.
The deal guarantees the actresses will appear on “Housewives” through at least 2011. It does not guarantee the series will still be on the air by 2011, however. Financial information has not been confirmed, but it is said that each will receive more than seven-figures each year.
Series creator, Marc Cherry, who appeared “Desperate” in 2003 when shopping his idea to networks and studios, has signed a similar deal with the TV studio to the amount of more than $15 million.
“The studio and the network and I all feel it’s best for me to stay glued to the set,” Cherry told Daily Variety. “I’ve got my ship, and I’m gonna run it.”
Cherry has planned to end “Desperate Housewives'” run at the seven year mark since day one. “I think that, at the end of my deal, and after seven seasons, it will be a good time to call it quits,” he said. “I don’t want anyone else to run the show, and I don’t want us to fade away.”
While it is still too early to close the “Housewives” book as the series is currently in its third season, ABC Television Studio president, Mark Pedowitz, says Cherry “has always said he sees this as a seven-year show.” However, Pedowitz was quick to point out that “nobody’s made any determinations that it will end after seven years. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
“Housewives” airs Sundays at 9:00 PM, EST/PST on the ABC Television Network.