Disney Channel Orders New Seasons Of Hannah Montana, Sonny

Disney Channel has ordered fourth and sophomore seasons of Hannah Montana and Sonny With a Chance, respectively.

Starring Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana has become one of The Walt Disney Co.'s top franchises, spawning consumer products, records, DVDs, a concert tours, a film of same and a feature. Cyrus' future with the media company was imperiled and questioned in the wake of her semi-nude pictorial that appeared in the June 2008 issue of Vanity Fair.
Currently wrapping production and winding down its third campaign, Hannah Montana has averaged 4.4 million viewers for premiere episodes over the course of its run, which began in March 2006.
Production on the fourth season will begin early in 2010, with a change of venue, as the Stewart family will exit their home in Malibu.
Disney Channel has also greenlit a second season of Sonny With a Chance, currently its most successful program with kids 6 to 11.
The series, which bowed in February, stars Demi Lovato, Tiffany Thornton, Sterling Knight, Brandon Mychal Smith, Doug Brochu and Allisyn Ashley Arm.