FOR MTV, OZZY'S FAMILY MATTERS

Taking their place along such telegenic clans as The Simpsons and The Munsters, The Osbournes will return to MTV with 20 new episodes, which will air on the music channel’s affiliates around the world starting this fall. That’s right, Ozzy, Sharon, Jack, Kelly, their nanny, assorted friends and visitors will all be back.

The announcement follows a protracted series of negotiations, with reports that the network will pay upward of $20 million for a new set of episodes.

"We couldn’t be happier to have the entire Osbourne family back for more episodes," said MTV/MTV2 President Van Toffler, who denied reports he’ll be living in the family’s cabana for the new season. "We desperately love the show, we love the Osbournes, including all of their pets, and hope to bring the entire universe into their twisted, unpredictable lives for many years to come."

Said Sharon: "We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible response to the show. We never expected that by inviting MTV and the world into our home, we’d get such a positive reaction from fans young and old. It’s been absolutely f**king amazing."

MTV/VH1 President of Entertainment Brian Graden called The Osbournes "a perfect example of the kind of creative lightning in a bottle that has produced such pop-culture phenomena as Real World, TRL, Cribs and Jackass." Not to mention Celebrity Boxing II, Fear Factor and Blind Date.

The Osbournes has been the highest-rated series on MTV and cable as a whole, attracting up to 7 million viewers per episode, leading to the channel’s most successful quarter ever. MTV will air a number of Osbournes specials throughout the summer, including a look at Ozzfest, an Ozzy & Sharon special and a dinner with the Osbournes. Epic releases The Osbournes Family Album record on June 11. Kelly Osbourne’s version of Madonna’s "Papa Don’t Preach" is already a huge hit at Pop radio.

Added Ozzy: "I love you all, but you’re all f**king mad."