UPN's "Veronica Mars" is the second lowest rated scripted drama to air on any network this season (Sorry, "The Mountain"). But every once in a while, a network decides that there are things more important than ratings. UPN is bringing "Veronica Mars" back for a second season.

"With its terrific ensemble cast, sharp writing and high production values, we're tremendously proud of the level of quality that 'Veronica Mars' brings to UPN," says UPN Entertainment President Dawn Ostroff. "Headlined by the brilliant Kristen Bell, this intriguing, youthful series continues to garner tremendous buzz and critical acclaim, and this is the type of smart, compelling show we want viewers to expect from UPN."

The news of the "Mars" renewal spread through the Internet over the weekend with many fan sites celebrating the decision as if their site in particular forced UPN's hand. Several of them may have had a point, given that despite critical adulation and low-level cult buzz, the show's audience has remained almost entirely low and stable since its premiere.

"Mars" stars Bell as a teenage girl who has to balance high school, moonlighting as a private eye and a variety of mysteries and tragedies from her past. Creator Rob Thomas ("Cupid") has promised that many of the show's central puzzles will be wrapped up by its first season finale.

Back in late September, "Veronica Mars" premiered to an audience of just under 2.21 million viewers. The show's most recent episodes have been in line with its season average of 2.4 million, with only minimal signs of growth. Airing on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. -- one of television's most competitive time slots, particularly now that "American Idol" has transformed "House" into a hit -- "Veronica Mars" has only rarely risen above sixth place for the hour.

In the absence of any breakout hits this year, though, UPN seems willing to take a chance on one of the most original and praised shows the network has ever produced. The jury is still out on "Kevin Hill," which launched with "Mars" this fall and has also failed to find a substantial audience despite warm reviews. The industry trade papers speculate that the fate of "Hill" will be tied to the netlet's development season.