No matter how deeply the producers of ABC's "Brothers & Sisters" plumb their dramatic imaginations, they might have a hard time topping the internal strife that permeated the set and the writers' room as the nighttime soap painfully found its footing. Before the show's Sept. 24 premiere, casting changes, reshoots and behind-the-scenes feuds seemed to spell doom for "Brothers & Sisters."
"All of the problems seemed to me almost insurmountable," said Jon Robin Baitz, the veteran playwright who created "Brothers & Sisters." But in the sort of unlikely twist you might see on an episode of the drama, "Brothers & Sisters," the show that could be thought of as a "thirtysomething" for the post-Sept. 11 era, hasn't failed; in fact, it's hung on to become a surprisingly resilient part of ABC's female-skewing Sunday night lineup.
Although it's nowhere near the hit that "Grey's Anatomy" was in that same slot last season, "Brothers & Sisters" is averaging about 13.2 million total viewers, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research, and seems to have built a loyal if not enormous fan base that sticks around after "Desperate Housewives." This is particularly significant given that both CBS and NBC rejiggered their Sunday lineups this season and are much more competitive on that night than they have been in years.

ABC executives last month ordered more episodes that will guarantee "Brothers & Sisters" at least a full first season - a critical hurdle for any new show. Equally important, the producers say, is that the series finally has found its way creatively.
In that respect, "Brothers & Sisters" could serve as a reminder to trigger-happy networks that even when faced with a deeply troubled show, sometimes it pays to, well, stay the course. Baitz's labor of love benefited from unstinting network support, not to mention a key assist from a veteran producer of family fare who just happened to be available when needed most.

"Brothers & Sisters" also benefits from standing apart from the pack of complicated, "serialized" dramas, such as "Smith" and "Six Degrees."
What ABC had in mind was a traditional, character-driven domestic drama, albeit with a contemporary feel. The ensemble's lead character, Calista Flockhart's Kitty, is a right-wing talk host who struggles with her family's conflicting views on terrorism and the U.S. wars in the Mideast. Softly lighted montages of family dinners and other happier events are spiked with songs by KT Tunstall and other pop artists. "We were looking to do a family show, but our version of a family show," ABC entertainment chief Steve McPherson said.
Ken Olin, an actor-turned-director who played Michael on "thirtysomething" and serves as an executive producer on "Brothers & Sisters," said: "It's been a while since there's been a show that people could watch and relate to on an intimate level. There is no high concept here. I don't think any of us think this is groundbreaking."

• • • 'Brothers & Sisters' adds Rob Lowe to cast as a love interest for Calista Flockhart • • •