One storyline from each show we can’t wait for!
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
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
Posted in 90210, Gossip Girl, Life Unexpected, Melrose Place, One Tree Hill, Smallville, Supernatural, Top Model, Vampire Diaries | Comment Now 
Spread the word and “stuff the ballot box” for several deserving CW series to receive national recognition at the first awards show of 2010. The deadline to vote for your favorite People’s Choice nominees is Tuesday, Dec. 8, and this competition encourages the public to cast a ballot as often as possible. Just log on to 
Blake Lively will do a little moonlighting this weekend and certainly raise her stature in the entertainment world. The 22-year-old Gossip Girl actress becomes the first-ever CW star to host Saturday Night Live, an honor typically reserved for the most-buzzworthy performers. CW network forerunner The WB placed five young favorites in the SNL pantheon, beginning with Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy) in 1998, followed later by Jamie Foxx and Dawson’s Creek trio James van der Beek, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes. Fifteen other WBNX stars have taken the reigns over the past 35 years, including each Friends cast member (except Matt LeBlanc), plus Melrose Place queens Heather Locklear and Laura Leighton, and Ray Romano—who was cleverly joined in his monologue by Everybody Loves Raymond parents Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle. Ironically, Boyle was one of SNL’s earliest hosts, guiding the 13th episode of the very first season back in ’76. More recently, Ashlee Simpson (Melrose Place) is noted for her lip-synching fiasco as musical guest four years ago. With Gossip Girl set in New York, it seems likely we could see Blake’s boyfriend, Penn Badgley, or other CW costars making sketch cameos. In addition to her Upper East Side shenanigans, Blake is currently featured as young “Pippa” in the big-screen film, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, and just finished shooting The Town, opposite Ben Affleck and Jon Hamm. Does the vivacious, oft-photographed beauty have some hidden comedic chops, as well? No one’s betting against Serena van der Woodsen. 
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…
Each summer, television critics gather in Hollywood for press sessions with network execs and cast members from their new Fall series. The Q&A panels often yield interesting facts, and we’ve gathered ten scooplets:
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?
There’s no shortage of great roles at The CW, and casting directors have been working overtime to fill out the series rosters with regulars and guest-stars. Below are some of the recent announcements, in case you missed them. And we’re still awaiting news on three major characters: the devil on Supernatural, new heartthrob Teddy on 90210, and wild model Alexis on One Tree Hill.
From coast to coast, the reviews are in—and critics are raving about The CW’s new fall lineup, the network strategy, and individual shows. Here’s a small sampling:
