More Episodes for Chuck

Cost-conscious NBC has ordered six more episodes of Chuck, extending its third season to 19 episodes.

The windfall may have something to do with the money saved by amputating Day One, a post-apocalyptic series originally allotted 13 episodes alongside Chuck as part of the Spring season starting in March, down to a four-hour miniseries. NBC also just canceled another new show, the medical drama Trauma, though the chop takes effect after the fulfillment of the original 13-episode order.

The expanded order may also mean a new start date for Chuck. Originally not supposed to come on until after the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Chuck may now launch in January, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Chuck was "on the bubble" at the end of last season, but a strong season 2 finish (featuring guest star Scott Bakula), a wide-awake fan-base, money-saving initiatives, and other strengths are now placing it among the shows NBC is betting on for the first half of 2010.