(21 July 2005 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: After hitting the Indian shores, US network ABC's blockbuster series Desperate Housewives continues its Asian exploration. Next in line is China as a dubbed version of the popular show is expected to launch in the country later this year.

The Shanghai Daily has reported that ABC is now negotiating with government controlled China Central Television (CCTV) to show the first season of Desperate Housewives.

Experts feel that, the dark comedy -- nominated for 15 Emmys -- will have to compete with pirated DVD versions of the series, already on sale on Chinese street corners.

In 2003, Beijing Television experimented with Pink Ladies on the lines of HBO's Sex and the City. But the show got a lukewarm response.