HOLLYWOOD — The 2006-07 TV season is becoming the Year of the Patient Networks.

The latest beneficiary of the newfound forbearance is NBC's "Friday Night Lights," which received a full-season order on Monday. This despite the fact that the show is among the least-watched new dramas on any of the Big Four networks.

Wide critical acclaim and a devoted audience — although the show's ratings haven't been big, they've been fairly consistent — appear to have factored into NBC's decision. Here's what NBC Entertainment chief Kevin Reilly has to say about the pickup:

"We're proud to reward an authentic, poignant series like 'Friday Night Lights' with a full-season order, demonstrating our confidence in its appeal and quality. Television critics and devoted fans have supported the show with well-deserved praise for the executive producers, writers and exceptionally talented cast."

"Friday Night Lights" airs at 8 p.m. Tuesdays on Channel 11.

HOLLYWOOD — Let the supernatural sleuthing begin.The Sci Fi Channel has begun production on the first of 12 episodes of Lionsgate-produced "The Dresden Files," starring Paul Blackthorne. Shooting in Toronto, the drama combining hard-boiled detective action and fantasy elements will premiere in January.Based on the best-selling series by Jim Butcher, the series centers on Chicago-based P.I. Harry Dresden (Blackthorne), who's the only practicing professional wizard in the yellow pages. His extraordinary abilities allow him to solve crimes that stump his city's finest. Vampire attacks, acid-spitting demons, werewolves, fairies abducting kids: He handles it all.Blackthorne, 37, is probably best known for guest starring as Stephen Saunders on "24." He's also appeared on "Deadwood," "ER" and "Medium."