Wednesday February 25 8:51 AM EST

Fox Drama Trio To Return
By Jenny Hontz

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Fox Broadcasting Co. has confirmed that "Melrose Place" and "Beverly Hills, 90210" will return next season, and the network has renewed the drama "Party of Five" for the next two seasons.

All three series renewals were expected, although the "Party of Five" negotiation was a tough one for Fox. Series producer Columbia TriStar TV was able to double the series license fee payable by Fox to about $2 million an episode and to get a probable weekend syndication sale to the Fox-owned stations.

Columbia TriStar TV said the entire cast of "Party of Five" is under contract for the next two seasons, although the studio's deal with executive producers  and co-creators Christopher Keyser and Amy Lippman is set to expire later this year.

The return of "Melrose Place" for a seventh season was ensured after Heather Locklear signed on for another year. However, several actors will not be returning, including Andrew Shue, Alyssa Milano, Lisa Rinna, Brooke Langton and Linden Ashby.

"Beverly Hills, 90210" also may see some cast changes, although Tiffani-Amber Thiessen has signed on for the first seven episodes and has an option to do more.

Reuters/Variety REUTERS@