Kevin Hill gets full-season pickup from UPN

UPN has given the thumbs-up to critically acclaimed new dramas Veronica Mars and Kevin Hill, giving both shows full-season pickups. While neither series sprinted out of the gate, Kevin Hill--which stars Taye Diggs and features the only gay character on a new series this year--and Veronica Mars, starring Kristen Bell, received some of the best reviews for this season's new shows. Veronica Mars (2.7 million viewers, 1.7 rating/5 share among adults 18-34) has slowly but steadily inched up in the ratings since its premiere. Kevin Hill (3.7 million, 1.7/5), which benefits from a strong America's Next Top Model lead-in, has significantly improved UPN's performance in the Wednesday 9 P.M. slot.