Ugly Betty

Is the end near for Ugly Betty?

The show's ratings have been plummeting throughout season four, as its move to Friday nights may drive a nail into the comedy's coffin.

ABC is unlikely to yank the series of its schedule, but it's also unlikely to renew it for a fifth season. How is creator Silvio Horta preparing for such an uncertain future?

“Obviously, we all want the show to continue, but I don’t want to get caught off guard and have them tell me it’s the last season and have to wrap everything up in one episode,” he told Michael Ausiello. “So I have two season-ending arcs planned — one where it’s the last season and one where we continue for another one.”

If this is Ugly Betty's final season, how would you want the series to conclude?

The magic has run out on Eastwick.

The witch-based drama will complete its 13-episode order for ABC and then leave the air for good.

While this is upsetting news for fans of the series, it might be exactly what Ugly Betty needs. Here's how we make that connection:

ABC insiders have told E! News that the network is considering moving Ugly Betty to Wednesdays at 10 in January, as it's been struggling mightily on Fridays so far this season.

The assumption is that this show would complement new sitcoms Modern Family and Cougar Town well, ensuring that ABC is a quality destination for comedy on Wednesday evenings.

Of course, there's another possibility: Lost (finally!) returns in early 2010 and it occupied Wednesday nights on ABC last year.

"Honest to god, they haven't given us a date yet," said producer Damon Lindelof recently. "I don't even know what night it's going to be on. We've been on Wednesday at 9 for a while, but now ABC's comedies are actually working. And I actually like Modern Family and Cougar Town, so I'm not sure that they'll move them."

Meanwhile, follow this article's jump for a preview of Friday night's Ugly Betty episode.

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On Ugly Betty, Jamie-Lynn Sigler plays a character very different than Meadow Soprano or, well, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (the Entourage version, that is).

Earlier this season, viewers were introduced to Sigler's Natalie, who met Daniel Meade at a bereavement group and wound up working at Mode.

In an interview with TV Guide, excerpts of which are below, the actress dishes on Natalie's unique look and more. Check it out...

Is Natalie funny? She's not Marc, Amanda, Wilhelmina... or Betty even. They all have real caricatured hilarity and they play it perfectly to a T. For me, Natalie is a bit more understated. I think the stuff that happens later might be considered funny.

Does she like Natalie's look? I'm not one of those people who has to look pretty. Let's make a really fun character. So I tried on about 30 wigs. I've never been involved in network television, so I wasn't really aware of the amount of people who need to OK something like your hair. So it was a long, long process, but eventually when it came to be, everybody seemed to like it.

Will Daniel and Natalie date? No. They told me that from the beginning. This is not going to be a typical love interest role. Being a fan of the show, I don't think it would be right so close to Molly's death for him to meet a woman in a bereavement group and start dating her.

Fisher Stevens is moving in to Ugly Betty. Literally!

The actor - most recently known for his run as George Minkowski on Lost; but forever known for his role in the movie Short Circuit - will play Mr. Z on the series, Betty's new landlord.

In casting the character, Ugly Betty producers said they looking for a “New York actor who could go head-to-head with America Ferrera." We think they've found him.

On this Friday's episode of Ugly Betty, our favorite magazine editor tackles the worst jobs in New York.

Among them? Dressing like a hot dog and performing a Bollywood-like dance. See what we mean in the official ABC promo for "The Wiener, the Bun and the Boob" below:

Let's hope this installment is a positive change of pace for the show, whose ratings have been plummeting so far this season.

We'll update our section fo Ugly Betty quotes soon after the episode ends. For now, click on the pics below for an early look at scenes from it:

Many things stood out on this week's episode of Ugly Betty.

There was Betty falling over in her bean bag chair; Grant Bowler returning as Connor Owens; and Marc’s bright yellow suit jacket.

Also, as always, there were a number of winning Ugly Betty quotes. We've listed a few below:

Wilhelmina: Marc, scheming is a lonely business. | permalink

Wilhelmina: Can you believe there's traffic in Bermuda? Luckily, I've chased felons here before, so I know all the short cuts. | permalink

Marc: I'm sorry, but that psychedelic misfit toy is living my dream! | permalink

Marc: We are not talking about that! One more mention, and heads will roll. Pretty blonde heads that don't have their original nose! | permalink

Wilhelmina: Marc, this trip is a total disaster. Connor checked out this morning. And I suspect he was tipped off by our bargain bounty hunter. We need a new bounty hunter. Next time I prefer one in brown. | permalink

At the conclusion of last season, Ugly Betty viewers learned that Claire Meade had given birth to a son many years ago.

On an upcoming episode, meanwhile, Claire will decide to reconnect with the boy, who it's just been announced will be played by Neal Bledsoe.

The actor recently kissed Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl and appeared on three episodes of As the World Turns in 2007. He'll debut in December.

On Friday's new episode of Ugly Betty, the show's main character tries to get a scoop with Gucci's new designer.

But Marc won't be having that, as he tries to sabotage Betty. Meanwhile, Daniel goes to a bereavement group and meets Natalie, played by guest star Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Don't forget to return to TV Fanatic soon after this episode ends. We'll publish the latest Ugly Betty quotes from "Blue on Blue."

In the meantime, click on the pics below for an early look at a trio of scenes from it:

It's finally almost here.

The fourth season of Ugly Betty premiere on Friday night, October 16.

During the two-hour special, Betty discovers many changes as she starts her new job as associate features editor. It doesn't help that her boss is her bitter ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley.

The show will also focus on an important, real-life issue: Betty runs her own Mode photo shoot at the United Nations to promote its anti-malaria initiative, "Nothing but Nets."

Lynn Redgrave will also guest star on the episode, which will involve a fun Betty dream sequence. Click on the pics from "The Butterfly Effect" below for an early look at scenes from the installment:

On The View this week, meanwhile, star Ana Ortiz confirmed that Betty is ditching her braces this season. She said:

"They are coming off this season. Even in the first episode - it's a two-hour episode, it's brilliant - she starts to make the transition. It's really exciting."

Shakira, and her honest hips, will soon give acting a shot.

Ugly Betty creator, Silvio Horta says the singer will appear on an episode of the ABC hit this fall, telling People:

“We had a very memorable moment in the third episode where Betty has a makeover that goes wrong and she struts down the street to ‘Hips Don’t Lie.’ We’ve mentioned [Shakira] several times over the course of the series and have always wanted to work with her. She’s an enormous Latina icon, as is Betty, and we thought it was a perfect fit.”

On the episode titled “The Bahamas Triangle," Shakira will assist a Mode photo shoot when the publication is on location in the tropics. Christie Brinkley will also appear during this installment, portraying the editor of a competing fashion magazine.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler will also appear on Ugly Betty this season. Get an early look at her in the role of Natalie now!