CW stars Ian Somerhalder (Damon on The Vampire Diaries), Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols (Brooke and Julian on One Tree Hill) spent a good portion of their hiatus assisting victims of the oil spill and keeping the public’s focus on the environmental disaster.  The network will now follow up their passionate efforts with a one-hour special next Friday, highlighting the resiliency of coastal residents who’ve worked tirelessly to restore their communities and lives.  David Hasselhoff is host of The Gulf is Back, an emotionally charged documentary filled with music from the two-day benefit concert in Biloxi, Mississipi.  Performers include Teen and Kid’s Choice winner Drake Bell (pictured), Lonestar, Brian McKnight, Taylor Hicks, Ricky Skaggs and more; with actors Dean Cain, Shannon Elizabeth and New Orleans legend B.B. King sharing stories of everyday people whose heroic actions made an impact in the region. 

Wendy Williams is the furthest thing from a typical talk show host.  She built her reputation as a radio shock jock—and that style translates so well to television, People magazine dubs her “terrifically, even scarily, entertaining…the year’s most original breakout personality.”  Her self-titled afternoon strip debuts September 13 on WBNX.  Wendy’s signature style is not without controversy.  Hard-hitting celebrity scoops and on-air spats have rankled stars from Diddy and Tupak to Mariah and Whitney, with several rappers tossing back zingers through their music lyrics.  It hasn’t slowed Williams, however, who has authored two dishy best-sellers, Wendy’s Got the Heat and The Wendy Williams Experience, plus three novels based on an outspoken DJ.  The former Billboard Radio Personality of the Year was last year inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.  A film based on her life, Queen of All Media, is now in post-production, with Robin Givens in the title role.  As for Wendy’s talk show, the New York Post labels it “an instant hit—anything but conventional.”  Expect some edgy fun.

One of the world’s most popular anime creations is getting a complete makeover.  Dragonball Z Kai debuts next month in our Saturday morning lineup, CW4Kids, retooling the original Dragonball Z series to more closely follow the Japanese comic book source, or “manga.”  High-def digital remastering, a newly-recorded soundtrack, and updated scenes and effects also bring the cartoon into the 21^st century.  WBNX began airing Dragonball Z almost two decades ago, years before the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Pokemon phenomena took hold.  The show has maintained its following—possibly because its hero, Goku, reflects a Japanese version of Superman.  In fact, Smallville’s Tom Welling was considered for the lead in last year’s live-action film, Dragonball: Evolution.  Justin Chatwin eventually won the role, opposite James Marsters (Brainiac) as nemesis-turned-ally Lord Piccolo.  CW anime fans can also look forward to Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s three-part epic, Signs of Doom; and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles Forever, both shown as August movie events. 

The cast of midseason hopeful HMS has placed itself on extended life-support.  Wednesday was the expiration date for contract options on all actors tied to this year’s series pilot contenders.  HMS stars, however, granted The CW and production studio Warner Bros. TV a seven-day extension, reports Deadline Hollywood, as execs weigh a decision to pick-up or pass.  The one-hour drama follows a group of freshmen at Harvard Medical School, and network entertainment president Dawn Ostroff spoke highly of the procedural format back in March, noting the layered appeal of cutting-edge medicine, unique cases and personal relationships.  Jai Rodriguez (pictured) and film star Steven Strait (10,000 BC) are the most recognizable names attached, with actress Hayden Panattiere (Heroes) co-executive producing.  The CW, of course, tabbed Nikita and Hellcats for slots in the fall lineup, but HMS would provide an anticipated scripted backup for flexibility, much like Life Unexpected last year.  Currently, new reality show Shedding for the Wedding—which, incidentally, drew enthusiastic response from previewers—is the only reserve with a firm midseason commitment.

Finales, renewals and pilot pickups converge over the next 15 days—the most suspenseful period of every television season—and the major news outlets are leaking clues as to what announcements may be forthcoming.  Variety insider Cynthia Littleton (who co-authored a tell-all book about The WB) says The CW is “looking at a maximum of three (new) dramas, with one of those slots sure to go to Nikita.”  Deadline Hollywood confirms the assassin/spy redux is already assembling its crew, typically a sign that the series will make the fall lineup.  The network is also excited about supernatural thriller Betwixt, says THR; and cast member Josh Henderson tweets that the revised show title is Changelings.  One script reviewer feels it’s “a lot darker on its surface than Vampire Diaries.”  A third major contender appears to be Tom Welling’s college darkhorse, Hellcats, “seen as the CW’s stab at Glee, but with cheerleaders.”  Popstars Ashley Tisdale and Aly Michalka headline the ensemble, praised as “hot, very strong and very on-brand.”  Matt Barr (pictured), familiar to One Tree Hill fans as Peyton’s stalker, “Derek,” plays one of the heartthrobs.  Of course, any of the three other intriguing pilots could easily unseat a frontrunner, as programs are critiqued and scheduling options debated.  There is still no official word on One Tree Hill or Life Unexpected, other than EW’s hunch that both will return with at least 13 episodes.

We’re less than four weeks from learning which new series pilots have earned a slot in the fall lineup, and industry pundits are buzzing about early favorites, including The CW’s just-completed episode of Betwixt.  To many, it would be far more surprising if the mystical drama doesn’t make the cut—and you need only to look at Thursday nights to see why.  The Vampire Diaries immediately broke through as the network’s most popular drama; and Supernatural’s devoted legions are legendary.  Thus, Deadline Hollywood says Betwixt falls right into The CW’s current “sweet spot”:  genre shows.  The series is based on Tara Bray Smith’s debut novel, and boasts a dream cast of familiar stars like David Gallagher, Austin Butler, Josh Henderson, Allison Miller, Jessy Schram and Tessa Thompson; along with newer additions Blair Redford (pictured) from Passions, Brandon McLaren and Josh Bowman.  And the behind-the-scenes crew is equally impressive.  SpoilerTV reveals a “very dense mythology” that dawns in a terrifying arcane ritual, as three teens learn their true changeling natures and critical roles in a looming otherworldly conflict.  Betwixt is one of three CW projects (along with Nikita and Wyoming) to film full-length pilots, so there’s a lot of support for these contenders, in particular.  But this sounds like one mystery that would hook a wide audience from the moment it premieres.     

For every reality series which captures the public’s fascination, there are a dozen others that fade into oblivion.  It’s a fickle art form in developing unscripted hits, but four new shows ordered by The CW have appealing hooks—and could evolve into the network’s most interesting reality hours since America’s Next Top Model.  Even better, THR cites sources who affirm that some of the original content may even launch in the off-season summer months.  Here’s a rundown of the series concepts: 

A large-scale scavenger hunt from executive producer Brett Ratner (Prison Break, X-Men, Rush Hour).  Casting closed last week for mid-20s contestants who ‘are the life of the party, able to talk their way into anywhere, and have a competitive streak.’  Look for the Bahamas to be involved in this amazing race. 

What happens when hundreds of people suddenly break out into an elaborate flash mob dance?  It’s an entertaining phenomenon seen around the world in places such as Grand Central Station.  This show will feature choreographers assembling large dance teams in major cities for a mass dance-off.  Travis Payne, the celebrity instructor who orchestrated Michael Jackson’s HIStory Tour and This is It concert moves, recently hosted the show’s first major event in LA. 

Engaged couples who need to lose weight—in some cases, a lot of weight—before getting married will compete against each other for an all-expense paid dream wedding.  Casting has also begun on this challenge.  

Not without controversy, Tracy (pictured) is, nevertheless, the “go-to” fitness trainer for stars like Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Shakira, Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow.  This series will follow the New York-based single mom on her wild routine of whipping celebs into shape. 

You’ve seen most of their faces and heard many of their voices.  They’re the latest stars to land a role in one of six CW fall series contenders.  While talented actors, it’s striking how many of their careers are bound by another common thread: music. 

(L-R:  Josh Henderson, Austin Butler, Michaela McManus, Warren Kole, Sofia Vassilieva, Ashley Tisdale, Jai Rodriguez, Tiffany Hines) 

Josh Henderson was “discovered” on The WB’s Popstars competition almost a decade ago, recording an album with Scene 23 before the label folded.  He’s built a nice screen resume since then with One on One, Over There and Desperate Housewives—while dating Ashlee Simpson, Paris Hilton, Lauren Conrad, Kaley Cuoco and Brittany Snow.  Josh will play a changeling who sees impending deaths on Betwixt.  

Austin Butler is popular quarterback ‘Jones’ on Life Unexpected; but prior to that, the fresh-faced actor and musician  (guitar/piano) performed impressively on both iCarly and Ruby & the Rockits.  He’s cast as the twin brother of changeling Jessy Schram on Betwixt.  

Michaela McManus (Lindsey) nearly married Lucas on One Tree Hill.  She later spent a season on Law & Order: SVU, and starred in the Dan Zweben music video, You Don’t Have to Love Me.  Michaela joins the covert CIA team in Nomads, where she’s torn between two fellow spy hunks.  

Warren Kole—one of the spy hunks; Scott Porter is the other.  Prior to Nomads, Warren was featured on Mental and 24, where his Secret Service agent went rogue. 

Sofia Vassilieva, 17, has played the oldest daughter on Medium for six seasons.  You may also recognize her from the Eloise TV movies or as the cancer patient in last summer’s big-screen hit, My Sister’s Keeper.  KSiteTV cites a twitter report that Sofia’s won a spot in Hellcats, the cheerleading drama from producer Tom Welling.      

Ashley Tisdale graduates from High School Musical and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody…to a lead role on Hellcats.  The popstar-actress has helped to sell millions of albums; and, ironically, Josh Henderson is featured in her early music video, He Said She Said—the same title as one of his Scene 23 songs. 

Jai Rodriguez is one of those charismatic, versatile performers who succeed in any medium.  TV’s culture and style maven has starred in Broadway musicals Rent, Hair and The Producers; and several songs from his debut album are available to download.  Jai is the biggest name attached to HMS, the network’s drama centered on freshmen at Harvard Medical School.  

Tiffany Hines, a Cincinnati native, is best-known from three seasons on Beyond the Break and a string of high-profile guest appearances.  As a singer/songwriter, Tiffany has performed with two southern Ohio bands and hopes to one day pursue a vocal career.  For now, she’s an assassin-trainee in Nikita.

They’re definitely not the ‘usual suspects.’  A few familiar faces, sure, but probably more that need proper introduction.  With roughly half of the casting complete on The CW’s fall series pilots, these stars were recently added to the six new dramas competing for a network timeslot.  Here’s a brief rundown (l-r):

Allison Miller (Betwixt):   The 24-year-old beauty was King Silas’ daughter on the short-lived Kings.  Will play one of three changelings—the children of mythological fairies who protect humans; her character can fly. 

David Gallagher (Betwixt):   Starred for 11 seasons on 7^th Heaven.  Here, he’s a fellow changeling who’s gone over to the dark side.

Jessy Schram (Betwixt):   Known from Life, Veronica Mars and the Jane Doe TV films, Jesse now transforms into a changeling with claws, fangs and yellow eyes.

Aly Michalka (Hellcats):   A former Disney star and one-half of the pop duo 78violet (formerly Aly & AJ), she’ll play a competitive college cheerleader from the wrong side of the tracks.

Gail O’Grady (Hellcats):   The 3-time Emmy nominee is recognized from NYPD Blue, American Dreams and decades of drama queen roles.  Her character’s serial irresponsibility causes her daughter to lose a college scholarship.

Megan Boone (HMS):   She’s a relative newcomer famed for a sexy role in My Bloody Valentine.  Megan will play one of many first-year students at Harvard Medical School.   

Tasso Feldman (HMS):   A stage actor with only one small TV credit, Tasso joins the unknown class of doctors-in-training.

Sarah Jones (HMS):   Had extended exposure on Big Love and Sons of Anarchy.  Another freshman.

Aaron Stanford (Nikita):   Widely known as Pyro in X-Men 2 and 3, as well as the lead in Traveler, Aaron plays a computer specialist in this Le Femme reboot.

Lyndsy Fonseca (Nikita):   You’ve seen her on Desperate Housewives (Dylan), How I Met Your Mother (the daughter) and daytime’s Y & R.  Her new assignment: assassin-in-training.

Melinda Clarke (Nikita):   The O.C. villainess will play a division operative, as a global hunt begins for the rogue title character (Maggie Q).      

Ryan Hawley (The Wyoming Project):   Meet Ryan, a London stage actor with only a handful of British screen appearances.  He’ll play the younger brother of Sean Faris in this ranching family dramedy, an Ivy Leaguer who has no desire to return to the Midwest.

Scarlett Johnson (The Wyoming Project):   She’s also from the U.K., having starred in 200 episodes of the popular EastEnders.  MTV fans may have caught her as a regular on Ashley Parker Angel’s (O-Town) reality series.  Looks like she’s an early love interest for Faris.

Alan Ruck (The Wyoming Project):  This Cleveland native is chief nemesis for Parma’s Faris.  The Spin City veteran plays a pompous, over-the-top cowboy whose boots have never seen dirt.  And, of course, he wants to swindle the neighboring ranch.   

For more details, here are links to two previous updates about potential CW fall series and stars: (A) (B)

In a candid interview with The Live Feed, CW President of Entertainment Dawn Ostroff shares hints about the types of new series the network is interested in, plus feedback about current hits and shows still on the bubble.  

Ostroff:   We’ve been trying to find more franchise shows…where the personal relationships continue on in each episode, [such as] CSI or Grey’s Anatomy, and the (stories) have a beginning, middle and end.  The intention was to get a broader scope of programming on the network so that not all of the shows we did were soap operas, per se.

Ostroff:   HMS is a more traditional show for us, with its own twist that makes it right for The CW.  It’s set at Harvard Medical School, and the pilot’s entry point is through first-year students.  What makes it unique is that these people are learning about the profession at the most prestigious med school—you’re steeped in history, but with cutting-edge medicine.  It’s going to be as much of a show-and-tell about medical science as the emotional cases of different patients and the relationships between the characters themselves. 

Ostroff:   Smallville has had a great year (both) creatively and moving to Friday nights.  What Vampire Diaries has done so well is, it’s not just a genre show.  It has romance and humor and friends that feel like family, so many elements that work on different levels for all of our audience.  Great writing, great casting, a topic that’s in the zeitgeist and a known franchise is always what we look for.  We picked up a pilot called Betwixt, which is a ‘genre’ show, but has many of the same elements. 

Ostroff:   90210 creatively is light-years away from where it was last year.  Sometimes that show is watched more on DVR than live; you have a lot of people time-shifting our shows and watching in different ways.  (On the likelihood of renewing One Tree Hill), we’re encouraged.  We think Mark Schwahn has done a great job with the show.  The fans are the most loyal and dedicated I think I’ve ever seen.  They have some 1.6 million fans on Facebook.  Too early to tell, but creatively we feel the show is in a really good place.  (And on Life Unexpected), that’s really too early to tell.      

Ostroff:   I believe The CW is more boy-friendly than most people think.  There are some really dynamic women at the core of (new) shows—Betwixt, Nikita, Nomads—that hopefully will be interesting to men.  I know more men who watch Gossip Girl than you can imagine.   We’re working on a lot of different reality projects, a couple things for fall and for summer, and we’re looking at our reality shows as having comedy.  One pilot show, Wyoming, which Amy Sherman-Palladino wrote, also has a lot of humor.  So it’s different ways of doing comedy.