One drama set amidst the glitz and sleaze of Las Vegas and another set amidst the chaos and upheaval of the 1960s were given early renewals at NBC. The network announced on Friday (Jan. 30) that both "Las Vegas" and "American Dreams" will be back for next season.

"These two dramas have maintained strong 18-49 adult appeal and both deliver terrific, creative programs," says NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker. "'Las Vegas' is the seasons top-rated freshman drama and provides flashy, high-octane entertainment while 'American Dreams' has multi-generational appeal with its socially relevant storytelling and ingenious use of contemporary musical guest stars."

The "Las Vegas" commitment wasn't a surprise. The series, which stars James Caan, Josh Duhamel, Molly Simms, Vanessa Marcil, Nikki Cox, James Lesure and Marsha Thomason, has been averaging 12.3 million viewers per week this season.

Since the conclusion of ABC's "Monday Night Football," the ratings for "Las Vegas" have continued to rise. For the season, the show averages a 4.6 rating among adults 18-49, higher than any other new drama in that coveted demographic.

"I'm pleased to be picked up early for next season," says Gary Scott Thompson, the show's executive producer. "It helps us going into the second season where we hope to do even bigger and better numbers. Jeff Zucker and NBC have been huge supporters of the series from the beginning and continue to be. We appreciate that very much."

The future for "American Dreams" was a little cloudier, although the drama has always been an acknowledged favorite of Zucker's.

In addition to earning praise from family groups, "American Dreams" has succeeded in getting many hot contemporary artists -- including Ashanti, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Usher, Nick Lachey, LeAnn Rimes, Third Eye Blind and Kelly Rowland -- to appear as stars of the '60s.

At times, though, the show has struggled to find an audience. In its second season "American Dreams" is averaging 8.6 million viewers per week, down signifigantly from the 10.56 million viewers who were tuning in last year at this time.