The following is a list of new series which have received a full season pickup. How does that differ from returning series? When a show is ordered to series, the initial order is for 12 episodes (plus the pilot), so if the show performs well, the network will then order what is called the back nine, bringing the full season order to 22 episodes.
ABC
Nashville - The musical drama, which debuted strong and has remained steady ever since scored a full season renewal. Also watch for a series soundtrack to arrive in stores for the holiday season.
Scandal - The network picked up the back nine, giving Olivia Pope and the rest of her gang a full 22 episodes to save the reputation of their clients.
CBS
Elementary - Looks like Sherlock and Watson will be solving many more cases to come -- Renewed for the remainder of the 2012-13 season (back nine order).
Vegas - Criminals in Vegas will have no place to hide with Ralph Lamb on the case -- The series has been given its back nine and will stay put for the remainder of the 1012-13 season.
FX
American Horror Story - Just halfway through the second season and the horror drama was already renewed for a third season. Series star Jessica Lange has already signed for next season.
NBC
Chicago Fire - Those brave men and women have been granted an additional 9 episodes to keep up on the edge of our seats.
Revolution - After scoring the biggest audience in three years, NBC wisely handed down a full season pickup for the J.J. Abrams drama.
PBS
Downton Abbey - The third season is just about to premiere in the U.S., but has already been renewed for a fourth season.
Showtime
Homeland - Renewed for the third season, which is expected to get underway in September, 2013.
The CW
Arrow - Picked up for the back-nine, the remainder of the 2012-13 season. Given that it's the highest-rated series on the CW, I think fans can count on seeing this series stick around for a long time to come.
Beauty and the Beast - Although the ratings haven't been huge, the CW believes in this enticing drama and has given it a full season order.
USA Network
Burn Notice - The spy drama has been renewed for a 13-episode seventh season, which will most likely be its last.
