Matt Lanter’s lock on prom king at West Beverly High just became a bit more tenuous.  The CW went south of the border for their new heartthrob, importing Latino popstar Diego Gonzalez to spice up the cast of 90210.  The 19-year-old, also known by surnames Indigo and Boneta, will become a love interest for Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes), who joins an all-girl band as the series capitalizes on her amazing off-screen vocal abilities, says TV Guide.  You can listen to several of her demo songs here.  Diego was discovered seven years ago during the first season of Mexico’s Idol-like TV competition.  He finished in the top five, and went on to record several tunes on a Grammy-nominated, double platinum soundtrack album.  His popularity has skyrocketed throughout Latin America with starring roles on three telenova soap operas, two solo albums and a concert tour in which he performed at the world’s largest stadium in Brazil.  A natural in front of the camera, Diego was nominated for Best Actor on his very first series.  Producers of 90210 have hinted that we’ll see some intriguing couples pairing off when the drama returns in March, but the musical tandem of Diego and Jessica may well take center stage with fans and groupies worldwide.

As the New Year and new episodes quickly approach, let’s take a quick glance at each CW series and choose the storylines which promise to keep us on the edge of our futons: 

One Tree Hill:   This is a tough one, since many conflicts wrapped up nicely two weeks ago.  It’ll be interesting to see how the Brooke-Julian-Alex love triangle develops, but the show really needs Dan Scott to revive his villainous ways—or a new troublemaker to ride into town pronto.   Returns Mon., Jan. 18 

Life Unexpected:   Critics call this heartwarming gem The CW’s “next big thing.”  Who are we to argue?  You’ll be hooked from the first ten minutes.  Premieres Mon., Jan. 18 at 9pm 

Gossip Girl:   There’s juicy drama dripping from every corner here; however, so many lives will be turned upside down by the imminent appearance of Serena’s long-lost father…and Chuck’s long-dead mother.  Returns Mon., Mar. 8 

90210:   Now that Annie and Jasper have flung their criminal cards on the table, will they walk away hiding each other’s secret?  And what drives one of our West Beverly friends to attempt suicide?  Returns Tue., Mar. 9    

Melrose Place:    Well, we know the producers want a more “fun” show, and hopefully that means a lot more Heather Locklear.  Wonder if she’ll rip that complex apart looking for her $19-million painting?  And is it coincidence that David shares her larcenous hobby?  Speaking of David…is he the father of his half-brother?  Returns Tue., Mar. 9   

America’s Next Top Model:   The panel of judges for Cycle 14 will have an outrageous flair, with the addition of sassy Andre Leon Talley and Kimora Lee Simmons.  Let’s hope for some fierce, opinionated controversy.  Returns Wednesdays in Mar.  

The Vampire Diaries:   Yeah, just try to narrow this one down!  More vamps and witches are coming, along with a werewolf and a crypt full of new faces.  But the real mystery involves raising Katherine and those other 26 vampires from their ‘prison’ beneath the 1864 church remains.  Is it humanly possible for the series to get any better?  Returns Thu., Jan. 21 

Supernatural:   What’s more suspenseful than the outcome of the Apocalypse?  As Lucifer said to his expected vessel Sam, “I’ll see you in Detroit in six months.”  Along the journey, the Winchesters make another trip into their parents’ past and also encounter Bobby’s dead wife.  Returns Thu., Jan. 21

Smallville:   ‘Epic’ may not begin to describe the two-hour movie event, Absolute Justice, premiering on Feb. 5.  What began as an ambitious reunion of several Justice Society veterans has evolved into a full-scale landmark phenomenon that’ll have comic book geeks abuzz for years.  Details are being kept under close wraps—but suffice to say, don’t make other plans.  Returns Fri., Jan. 22

One of the great plot devices for any primetime drama is the arrival of a mysteriously-absent relative, and two CW series will soon deliver family twists that strongly impact their leading bad boys.  Longtime Gilmore Girls favorite Scott Patterson (Luke) will play the ex-con father of Liam (Matt Lanter) on 90210.  Fresh out of prison, “Jack” is described as “silver-tongued, both glib and shady.”  He opens a tackle shop on the marina to earn a quick buck—and Liam sees this as a chance to escape his wicked stepdad (John Schneider).  Alas, we suspect it won’t end well.  Local fans met Scott when WBNX brought him to Cleveland for a 2002 appearance; and most recently, he starred as the penny-pinching patriarch on Aliens in America.   Meanwhile, over on the east coast, remember that shadowy woman Chuck saw at his father’s grave last week on Gossip Girl?  That was sultry Laura Harring, who claims to be Chuck’s mother…you know, the one who allegedly died giving birth to the young titan.  If you thought Chuck Bass was already messed up, just wait!  Laura gained worldwide acclaim as the first Latina to win the Miss USA crown back in ’85.  She later married German Count von Bismarck and, though now divorced, retains the title of Countess.  The stunning beauty is best known for her role in the David Lynch neo-noir thriller, Mulholland Drive.  Scott and Laura are two of the many new faces scheduled to drop in on our CW serials when they return in 2010.  Stay tuned…

The death of one veteran TV character could actually help save the lives of countless female viewers.  That’s the goal of a partnership between The CW, Ford and 90210.  In a recent episode, original series cast member Jackie Taylor (played since 1990 by Ann Gillespie) succumbed to breast cancer.  This Tuesday, her youngest daughter, Silver (Jessica Stroup), will bravely spotlight the issue at West Beverly High, recruiting friends to sponsor her in a 5K Race for the Cure which she’ll run in her mother’s honor.  Silver also explains the meaning behind her “Ford Warriors in Pink” attire, which is available online to viewers.  Aside from certain forms of melanoma, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second-deadliest.  In a recent CDC study, more than 186,000 women were diagnosed annually with the disease.  The 90210 partners want to increase awareness, self-exams and early detection, a goal of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure network.  Ford has donated over $100-million to the cause and is present at all 121 fundraising races nationwide, including the one held in Cleveland just twelve weeks ago.  Stroup is also featured in a PSA during Tuesday’s episode; and both she and TV sister Jennie Garth (Kelly Taylor) will model Warriors in Pink apparel in national print ads appearing in People, TV Guide, US Weekly and InStyle.  “This tremendously vital issue directly impacts our young female viewers and their families,” said CW spokesman Alison Tarrant, “and in working with Ford Warriors in Pink, we’ve been able to incorporate it seamlessly into the 90210 storyline in a very organic and powerful way.”  

Here’s an awesome casting update that hits close to home…as in Cleveland.  Parma Padua grad Sean Faris is in Atlanta today to begin filming (at least) a multiple-episode arc on The Vampire Diaries.  He’ll play a former high school football buddy of Matt (Zack Roerig), with both guys employed at the Mystic Grill hangout.  And, of course, we fully expect Sean’s entanglement with the freaky town’s supernatural entities and eligible bachelorettes.  Often compared looks-wise to Tom Cruise and Travis Van Winkle (Jamie on 90210), Sean’s kept busy in film work since the conclusion of his two TV series, Life As We Know It and Reunion.  The Bruins’ four-sport HS star (soccer, basketball, baseball, diving) put his natural athleticism to work in Forever Strong—where he played rugby opposite Penn Badgley (Dan on Gossip Girl)—and in Never Back Down, a mixed martial arts fight club drama.  Smallville fans might also remember Sean’s appearance as one of LuthorCorp’s “experiments gone wrong” in season two.  With two vampires and a rising death toll in Mystic Falls, nobody’s neck is safe for very long.  But we can’t wait to see how our charismatic hometown star shakes up the dynamics on The CW’s biggest hit series ever.

Television’s biggest fall sweeps month is always a bonanza for viewers, as stars and stunts punctuate many storylines.  There are some special treats coming up on CW dramas, such as popstar Lady Gaga performing her new single “Bad Romance” on the Nov. 16 episode of Gossip Girl, hints People; and an Upper East Side cameo by Spice Girl Victoria Beckham (Posh).  Also, who do you expect to see first—Serena’s elusive father…or the allegedly-dead Bart Bass?  Hmm.  Moving to Tuesdays, conniving film villain Kelly Lynch settles in on 90210 as Ivy’s (Gillian Zinser) hot mama.  Wonder how dating her daughter’s English teacher will play in the West Bev lounge?  Over on Melrose Place, Nick Zano (pictured) has officially joined the cast; and no, we haven’t seen the last of Sydney (Laura Leighton).  Turns out, Amanda had some unfinished business with the red-haired temptress, and that’ll unfold when Heather Locklear debuts Nov. 17.  Fans of The Vampire Diaries can begin debating which of the new characters is secretly a vampire slayer!  And don’t forget Legend of the Seeker, which premieres this weekend with two new recurring characters to cause havoc for Richard and Kahlan.  Jolene Blaylock, best known as the Vulcan T’Pol on Enterprise, portrays a mysterious Sister of the Dark, whose powerful magic could destroy the Confessor.  And Michael Whalley, 26, brings a bit of levity to his thorny role as Flynn.  The actors have completed filming nearly half of Season 2 in New Zealand, and took some time for an interview with WBNX earlier today.  We’ll post some of their comments here soon.

The first six weeks of the new TV season have offered an excess of hair-raising storylines and head-scratching mysteries.  For example…

Katherine sired the Salvatore brothers on The Vampire Diaries in 1864.  Wouldn’t you like to know how she became a bloodsucker, and whether she really died in that church fire?  Call us skeptical. 

Did you expect last week’s Supernatural slant toward The Omen, with the all-powerful little kid?  He’s gotta figure into future episodes.  Just like with Buffy’s “anointed one,” these evil children are creepy.  

Bobby possessed, then in a wheelchair?!  Jim Beaver wasn’t kidding when he teased a major twist with his Supernatural character this season. 

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (Violet) totally pulls off the psychotic chick on Melrose Place.  Admit it:  her bizarre, unpredictable scenes are the highlight of every episode.

Fellow popstar Hilary Duff has rocked her role on Gossip Girl.  Really enjoyable.  And we pine for the return of Georgina, whose convoluted schemes are a welcome treat.  

Will Annie actually get away with murder on 90210?  This tangled web with Jasper has to end badly, you’d think.  Either way, “damaged” Annie is so much more fun to watch than the innocent farm girl.

Nathan and his family melting down amidst scandalous allegations on One Tree Hill gives us a new perspective of the media circus pro athletes and celebs face daily.  Can’t wait to see the accuser on Dan Scott’s TV show Monday.  And speaking of Dan—how shocking was his marriage reveal…to Rachel!?

O, Death!  Sydney (Melrose Place) and Vampire Diaries trio Logan Fell, “uncle” Zach Salvatore and Coach Tanner were gasp-worthy murders.  But hold tight!  There’s another Melrose corpse on the way—and two fan faves will face the end next month on Supernatural.

Hey, remember me?  Auggie (Colin Egglesfield) on MP is ready for a beefed-up story.  Ditto Jenny and Nate on Gossip Girl.  And are we gonna meet Serena’s evasive Daddy-O, or what?

The CW has branded its fall lineup as TV to Talk About, and it seems the viewers got a head start on that concept.  A new “Social Engagement Index” measures the amount of in-show social activity online against the total viewing audience—in other words, how many people are talking about what they’re watching.  One Tree Hill is the runaway winner, followed immediately by 90210.  LiveHive Systems, which charts this information, attributes the Tree Hill score to “the combination of a story format that’s well-suited to active social discussion and interactivity, and a demographic that gravitates to multiplatform media consumption,” reports Wilmington Star News.  All we know is, based on the first four minutes of the upcoming Season Premiere (click here), there may be even more fans rushing to their keyboards.

The girls will be shorter, but the guest list is decidedly longer.  That’s the thumbnail preview of America’s Next Top Model cycle 13, which launches early next month.  Tyra Banks has booked 11 guest judges and coaches to assist with the upcoming round, which for the first time will feature 14 finalists 5-foot-7 and under.  Here’s a list of their appearance dates:

Chanel Iman, Sep. 9, One of the world’s most in-demand
runway models.
Lauren Conrad, Sep. 16, TV personality best known for The Hills.  Debuts her own fashion line this fall.
Jaime Rishar, Sep. 23, Petite print and runway model.
China Chow, Sep. 30, Actress and fashion model.
Josie Maran, Oct. 7, Petite cover girl, recognized as the face of Maybelline.
Jessica White, Oct. 14, Runway model who has also been the face of CoverGirl, Chloe and Gap.
Kim Kardashian, Oct. 21, Reality TV personality, with her own designer clothing store, online shoe company, and (coming soon) her own fragrance.
Jessica Lowndes, Oct. 21, 90210 star will test the contestants’ interviewing skills.
Kirsty Hume, Oct. 28, High-fashion catwalk superstar.
Marisa Miller, Nov. 4, Victoria’s Secret Angel and popular print model.
Ann Shoket, Nov. 11, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine.

Most of these beauties will be seated beside Miss J. Alexander to critique the week’s photo challenge and help decide who’s going home.  It should add an interesting dimension to the show, mixing an outsider’s unique perspective with votes from Miss J., Tyra and Nigel Barker—the trio often swayed by a girl’s progress (or lack thereof) over the course of the competition.  Do you favor the rotating panelist concept?

It’s always great to see The CW add characters to their dramas, especially when the roles involve obvious antagonism.  What are your thoughts on this week’s six casting moves?

John Schneider: Meet the mean step-father who had Liam (Matt Lanter) hauled off to reform school in the middle of the night on 90210.  He’s a Hollywood plastic surgeon whose war at home will continue this fall.  CW fans remember John as Clark Kent’s dad on Smallville.

Kelly Carlson: What’s Melrose Place without scandal?  Kelly (Nip/Tuck) is a high-priced Hollywood madame who crosses paths with Stephanie Jacobson, the med-student who happens to need cash for her tuition.

Brooke Burns: She’s married to Dr. Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro)—so you know how that’s gonna turn out!  They have a younger son, but how long before she’s a suspect in the Melrose Place murder mystery…or has eyes for estranged stepson Shaun Sipos?

Sebastian Stan: Okay, he’s not exactly new to Gossip Girl, but Carter Baizen will stick around NY for awhile, nurturing a strange romance with Serena (Blake Lively)!  As you’ll recall, he located the golden girl’s long-lost father in the season finale.

Nacho Figueras: The hunky Argentine polo star for team Black Watch is a real-life member of Manhattan’s social scene.  He plays himself in a Sep. 14 Gossip Girl episode filmed at the Greenwich Polo Club.  Coincidentally, Nacho is also a model for Polo Fragrances.  Next up, tortilla chips?

Adam Bertrand: This one’s intriguing. The 17-year-old model is famous for being famous.  He’s a rising reality star who hangs with the West Coast society crowd and just signed on as the face of German fashion house Escada’s fragrance and men’s brands.  Adam brings a definite edge to the young models on The Beautiful Life, and this fall he’ll also release his debut single, “World Keeps Turning.”