Just because it was expected doesn’t mean it isn’t great news. Yes, ABC has officially picked up Joss Whedon‘s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (and remember, if you’re doing a Twitter hashtag, take out all those pesky periods between the letters). Here’s the official cast shot and synopsis:

Clark Gregg reprises his role of Agent Phil Coulson from Marvel’s feature films as he assembles a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. Coulson’s team consists of Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), highly trained in combat and espionage, Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen) expert pilot and martial artist, Agent Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker); brilliant engineer and Agent Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) genius bio-chemist. Joining them on their journey into mystery is new recruit and computer hacker Skye (Chloe Bennet). From Executive Producers Joss Whedon (“Marvel’s The Avengers,” ”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”); Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” pilot co-writers (“Dollhouse,” “Dr.Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”); Jeffrey Bell (“Angel,” “Alias”); and Jeph Loeb (“Smallville”) comes Marvel’s first TV series. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is produced by ABC Studios and Marvel Television.

ABC also renewed its powerhouse Once Upon a Time for a third season, and of course picked up the new spinoff Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. So what’s the surprise? I am very happy to report that excellent alien comedy The Neighbors has also been picked up for a Season Two. YAY ABC! THANK YOU!