On the day word came that the 100-day writers’ strike is finally about to end, ABC renewed nine shows for the 2008-’09 season, effectively declaring itself ready to move on from the debilitating strike.

Many of the renewals were expected, including the network’s top three scripted shows, “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Lost.”

The network also picked up second-year programs “Brothers & Sisters” and “Ugly Betty.” While not big ratings hits, the shows are two of the most critically lauded on television, and both earned best actress Emmys last fall.

Four first-year shows received pickups, including the network’s top new drama, the “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff “Private Practice,” and top new comedy, Christina Applegate’s “Samantha Who?” Two lower-rated shows, “Dirty Sexy Money” and “Pushing Daisies,” among media buyers’ favorites of the new season, also got renewals.

The timing of the announcement may be more important than the substance of it, as none of the renewals were a surprise. All appeal to the women 18-49 that ABC excels with, and they’re among the most popular programs with critics.

But it’s no coincidence that ABC chose to make the announcement yesterday, on the eve of a Writers Guild of America vote that’s expected to end the strike. The networks’ schedules have been in flux for months awaiting the outcome of the strike.

As the first broadcast network to firm up its fall plans, ABC made a strong statement about its confidence in its lineup and what it already has on the air. The strike has curtailed the pilot development season, leading several networks to cut back their pilot orders and prompting speculation that new-show development won’t be all that strong for next fall.

If ABC fills up its schedule with solid-performing returning shows, that will ease the development problem.

But there are still some lingering concerns about several of the shows. “Betty” has seen ratings slip in season two and just yesterday two producers on the show were reportedly let go.

New episodes of “Daisies” and “Money” may be held until next fall to give the two shows a strong relaunch, with lots of marketing muscle behind them. Neither found the audience ABC might have hoped after strong preseason buzz, though “Daisies” did win its 8 p.m. Wednesday timeslot among adults 18-49.

Bringing it back later this spring, now that Fox’s “American Idol” is dominating the slot, would seem suicidal. Same goes for sexy soap “Money,” which next fall could be a contender for the prized post-“Grey’s” slot on Thursdays.

Yesterday the CW also made some programming moves, though not for next season. It has ordered additional episodes of returning series “One Tree Hill,” “Supernatural” and “Smallville,” as well as five more scripts for new series “Gossip Girl” and “Reaper.”