CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- "Gilmore Girls" is getting an early Christmas present as the WB announced this week it has picked up the series for a fifth season. The news means fans can look forward to a weekly dose of the Gilmore clan through May 2005.

"Girls," which comes from Warner Bros. Television, joins "7th Heaven" on the Frog's early 2004-05 season renewal list. The WB signed a two-season renewal deal to keep the veteran Aaron Spelling-produced drama on its schedule back in March (read the story).

So far this season "Gilmore Girls" is averaging 4.9 million viewers, down a surprising 22% in year-to-year comparisons (6.3 million). Nevertheless, the show remains one of the network's biggest draws among teens and female teens as it routinely wins its time period in both demographics.

The 2004-05 season also marks the beginning of "Gilmore Girls'" off-network run on ABC Family. Viewers will be able to catch the series five nights a week on the cable channel beginning next fall.