Lots of fall television spoilers have been floating across the internet this summer, whetting our appetite for new episodes.  Glancing at each of The CW’s ten programs, we’ve chosen at least one intriguing storyline that should drive viewers to their nearest watercooler or chat room next month.   

90210:   Ready for some rockin’ and rollin’, West Coast style?  An earthquake jolts the Hills right away, but will that be enough to distract Naomi from her creepy teacher…who’s still very much around after the assault. 

Gossip Girl:   Two new babes steal the limelight—and that’s not easy with this cast.  Katie Cassidy latches onto Nate, but producers say she’ll also bring ‘nice, juicy trouble.’  Across town, Dan tends to Georgina’s baby, wondering how he became a papa. 

One Tree Hill:   What could be more dramatic than Clay and Quinn sprawled in pools of blood, with gun-toting whacko Katie still on the loose?  Might have been the series’ most heart-stopping season finale thus far. 

Life Unexpected:   In a stroke of programming genius, the Oct. 12 episode will feature a CW crossover, with One Tree Hill songbirds Haley and Mia (Cleveland’s Kate Voegele) trekking to Portland for Cate and Ryan’s radio concert promotion.            

America’s Next Top Model:   Venice and Milan…and a contestant who boasts “the smallest waist in the world.”  

Hellcats:   It’s a new show, so there’s much to reveal.  But judging from the promo trailers, Heather Hemmens (pictured) is more than an injured cheerleader.  She’s a Mean Girl.  And every pep squad dorm needs a backstabbing Mean Girl. 

The Vampire Diaries:   Seeing Katherine lop off four of David Anders’ fingers was frightening and gruesome.  The good news is Elena’s dad may well have survived the attack, says E! Online.  And doctors are doing wonders with re-attachment. 

Nikita:   Another freshman series, and this one’s working outside the box.  Expect action and suspense from the opening credits, but it’s an off-the-wall twist at the end that has bloggers abuzz.      

Smallville:   Nothing’s gonna be held back this season—it’s advisable to catch every episode.  Fan favorite Chloe will be missing for part of the year, throwing new beau Oliver for a loop.  But apparently her absence is tied to some new headgear: Dr. Fate’s helmet!  

Supernatural:   The new emphasis on family and monster mythology will be entertaining, but the highlight could be the Winchesters’ satirical send-up of the vampires from Twilight and Vampire Diaires.

The new fall TV season begins in just over four weeks, and many CW series are making guest appearance headlines.  Here’s the latest round of casting mayhem:  

Sebastian Roche (Fringe) is already at work on Supernatural.  Might he be the new angel who’s gone a bit rogue?  TVG describes the seraph as an “attractive charmer who appears slightly manic on the surface, but carries a great sadness.”    

Sahar Biniaz (pictured) has landed the role of Shayera in the second episode of Smallville.  Her alter-ego is Hawkgirl, the wife of Justice Society leader Hawkman (Michael Shanks, who is returning).  This may be a flashback scene, since Hawkgirl had been killed in battle when the superhero team appeared last season.  The stunning Sahar was the first runner-up to be Canada’s rep in the Miss Universe pageant.  

Courtney Ford hopes for an extended stay on The Vampire Diaires.  She’ll play a mysterious grad student at Duke who assists Alaric, Damon and Elena in digging up Isobel’s research on vampires and werewolves.  Exec producer Kevin Williamson teased EW that the role “could evolve into this massive storyline, or we could gut her like a fish.”  Courtney is best-known as the daughter of the deceased Trinity killer (Akron’s John Lithgow) on Dexter, and she’s married to big-screen Superman Brandon Routh.

Allie Bertram was recently added to the cast of Hellcats.  Sounds like she’ll be a member of the rival college cheerleading team—surely the claws come out, right?  The 21-year-old was a runner-up on the first season of a TV dance competition, so the transition to this aerobic workout should be smooth.  

Kyle Riabko and Scheana Marie will quickly make their presence felt on 90210.  A Canadian pop singer and Broadway star (Spring Awakening), Kyle’s on board for an unusual romance.  Scheana, meanwhile, may follow in the West Beverly pill-pushing steps of George (Kellan Lutz) and Jasper (Zach Sherman).

Whether we agree or disagree with their subjective rankings, entertainment lists are a fun way to stir debate.  Tube hub Buddy TV charts the “20 Hottest Dads on TV,” and, naturally, WBNX stars scored well—even grabbing the top spot: 

#1:    Baze (Kristoffer Polaha, pictured) on Life Unexpected
#4:    Seely Booth (David Boreanaz) on Bones
#9:    Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) on One Tree Hill
#10:  John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) on Supernatural
#15:  Tom Scavo (Doug Savant) on Desperate Housewives
#17:  Harry Wilson (Rob Estes) on 90210
#20:  Rufus Humphrey (Matthew Settle) on Gossip Girl 

Forbes employs a more formulaic strategy in assembling its list of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Celebrities.”  Measurements include earnings and media exposure across all platforms.  Noticeably absent from this year’s rankings are Tyra Banks, who appeared on the previous four compilations, and Will Smith (Fresh Prince), who claimed the #11 position in 2009.  Here are the WBNX stars who placed this year: 

#25:   Tyler Perry (House of Payne)
#26:   Jennifer Aniston (Friends)
#78:   Steve Carell  (The Office)
#84:   Ray Romano  (Everybody Loves Raymond)
#92:   Eva Longoria Parker  (Desperate Housewives)
#94:   George Lopez (George Lopez Show)
#100:   Mariska Hargitay  (Law & Order: SVU)

The newest additions to four CW series are sure to be crowd-pleasers, not only because of the actors involved—but the storylines they propel forward:

Evan Ross will undoubtedly bring some much needed edge to 90210.  The 21-year-old son of music legend Diana Ross, Evan immediately catches the eye of Annie (Shenae Grimes), but we wouldn’t be surprised to see him linked with singer Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes), since he’s a budding R&B artist himself.  The young film star has won acclaim for his early roles, quickly establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand faces on the big screen.  Evan’s casting is a huge coup for 90210.   

Emma Caulfield.  The name alone sends Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans into a frenzy.  As Xander’s comical demon/girlfriend “Anya,” she was a favorite throughout the final five seasons.  This fall, Emma moves into the financial fishtank on Life Unexpected, working with Baze’s father in investments and—dare we say?—developing a crush on the boss’s son.  If you’re keeping track at home, that’s three new women (plus Cate) with an eye on Kristoffer Polaha.  Series creator Liz Tigelaar wasn’t kidding when she promised a much larger show for Season Two.

Jeff Hephner and Laurie Metcalf stole the show on last season’s short-lived CW drama, Easy Money.  Will he now steal the cheerleading coach (Sharon Teal) away from her longtime beau, D.B. Woodside, on Hellcats?  Yeah, that seems like the plan.  Jeff is the new football coach at Lancer University, where the pigskin is king, and we’re thrilled that this talented actor is back home on the network.  

Cindy Sampson is not exactly a household name, but she’s Dean Winchester’s go-to girl for affairs of the heart on Supernatural.  Dean showed up on her doorstep in the season finale, and when the spookshow reboots in September, we’ll have jumped ahead a year—during which Dean lived a “normal” life with Lisa and little Ben, unaware that Sam is alive and hunting.  Trust us, this is one premiere you don’t wanna miss.    

As filming begins this week on most CW dramas, several shows have beefed up their cast for exciting new storylines.  Here are a half-dozen faces you can expect to see a lot of this fall (l-r):

Taylor Kinney joins The Vampire Diaries as the brother of deceased Mayor Lockwood.  He’s well-versed in the family secret—howling at the moon, yellow eyes, rabid temper—and will drop the bombshell on nephew Tyler (Michael Trevino).  A recent series regular on Trauma, Taylor is also remembered for his nighttime soap, Fashion House.

D.B. Woodside has been cast as the cheerleading team doctor and live-in boyfriend of coach Vanessa (Sharon Teal) on Hellcats. Think he’ll notice her eyes have wandered lately toward the football coach?  D.B. played Principal Wood in the final season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and eventually rose to the office of U.S. President on 24.

Arielle Kebbel will make Baze’s heart race a bit faster as his new bartender on Life Unexpected.  The pin-up model got her showbiz break as Dean’s (Jared Padalecki) wife, Lindsay, on Gilmore Girls.  And CW fans enjoyed her twist last year as Stefan’s oldest friend, Lexi, on The Vampire Diaries.

Amy Price-Francis completes the new love triangle on Life Unexpected.  First she wedges onto Cate and Ryan’s radio show as a conservative know-it-all; then she, too, makes a move on Baze.  Will any of this stir up jealousy in Cate?  The British actress just finished a two-year run opposite Benjamin Bratt on The Cleaner.

Shaun Sipos (Michael Mancini’s estranged son, David, on Melrose Place) is a hot new teacher on Life Unexpected.  Could Lux (Britt Robertson) soon be distracted from Bug and Jones?  Reports hint at a strong schoolgirl crush!  Shaun has a long affiliation with the network, having begun his career in 2001 as the star jock on The WB comedy, Maybe It’s Me.

Corin Nemec is the Winchester boys’ condescending cousin, Christian, on Supernatural.  He’ll show up in the second episode and recur throughout the season.  Expect a lot of family revelations this year!  Corin is best known as the star of Parker Lewis Can’t Lose and his later role as “Jonas” on Stargate SG-1.

Nearly a dozen WBNX shows will be releasing DVD collections this summer.  Here’s your one-stop guide to their street dates and bonus material:

One Tree Hill: Season 7 due Aug. 17.  Also contains three featurettes: New to Camp One Tree Hill, The Directors’ Debut, Pt. 2, and Spring Break; along with two audio commentaries, unaired scenes and a gag reel.

90210: Season 2 due Aug. 24.  Includes commentary with producers and series stars Michael Steger, Jessica Stroup, Trevor Donovan and Jessica Lowndes.  Other extras:  New Faces, Same Drama; From the Hills to the Beach, The Look of 90210; Beverly Hills Surf Crew; Adrianna and Navid; a set tour of the Beverly Hills Beach Club; and the season in review.

Gossip Girl: Season 3 due Aug. 24.  Special features:  Interactive Viewing Experience on Eps. 16; Throwing a Party, Gossip Girl-style; unaired scenes; Lady Gaga and Plasticines music videos; and a gag reel.

The Vampire Diaries: Season 1 blu-ray and DVD due Aug. 31.  Featurettes include Bringing Vampire Lore and the High School Experience from Page to Screen; The Popularity of Vampires and the Fans Who Love Them; A New Breed of Vampires—Casting the Series; and Vampire 101: Rules of the Vampire.  Other extras:  Creators and director pilot commentary; A Darker Truth webisodes; unaired scenes; gag reel; and downloadable audiobook of Vampire Diaires: The Awakening by L.J. Smith.

Smallville: Season 9 on blu-ray and DVD due Sep. 7.  Featurettes on Zod and the Justice Society of America; cast and creator commentaries on two episodes; and unaired scenes.

Supernatural: Season 5 on blu-ray and DVD due Sep. 7.  Bonus material includes a gag reel, an unaired scene from “The Real Ghostbusters” episode, producer/writer commentary track on “The End,” the Ghostfacers web series, and Apocalypse Survival Guides: Bobby’s Exclusive Video Collection.

Three WBNX weekday comedies recently released DVD sets:  The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Season 5), My Wife & Kids (Season 2) and According to Jim (Season 2).  Here’s a rundown on our other syndicated series:

Lost: Season 6 and The Complete Collection, on blu-ray and DVD, due Aug. 24.  Too much bonus material to list, including the much-anticipated 12-15 minute “new chapter of the island history” with Ben and Hurley.

The Office: Season 6 on blu-ray and DVD due Sep. 7; and the Seasons 1-5 Collection on Sep. 8.  Many hilarious extras!

Desperate Housewives: Season 6 due Sep. 21.  Extras include bloopers and deleted scenes.

Scrubs: Complete series, Seasons 1-9, due Sep. 28.  Many extras!

Legend of the Seeker: Season 2 due Sep. 28.  Bonus material includes extended scenes and two featurettes: Under the Underworld and Redemption of a Mord’Sith—Meet Cara.

The 12^th annual Teen Choice Awards once again affirm the popularity of CW Network talent.  Gossip Girl leads all TV series with six nominations, and six other returning shows picked up at least one apiece.  Several stars also scored crossover recognition for their film work.  Below are the first wave of nominees with ties to WBNX, and teens (13-19) can vote daily for their favorites by clicking here.  Results will be announced August 8, with CW summer popstar Katy Perry (California Gurls) hosting. 

TV Drama:  90210 and Gossip Girl
TV Drama Actor:  Penn Badgley and Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl); Tristan Wilds (90210)
TV Drama Actress:  Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill); Blake Lively and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl)
TV Villain:  Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries), Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl), Terry O’Quinn (Lost)
TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi:  Tom Welling (Smallville), Paul Wesley (Vampire Diaries), Josh Holloway (Lost)
TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi:  Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries) and Evangeline Lilly (Lost)
TV Fantasy/Sci-Fi Show:  Lost, Smallville, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaires
TV Reality Competition:  America’s Next Top Model
TV Comedy Actor:  Steve Carell (The Office)
Choice Comedian:  George Lopez
Film Actor, Horror/Thriller:  Penn Badgley [pictured, with girlfriend Blake Lively]
Film Actress, Horror/Thriller:  Rumer Willis (90210) and Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place)
Film Actress, Romantic Comedy:  Kristen Bell (Gossip Girl)
Film Actress, Comedy:  Kristen Bell
Film Actor, Comedy:  Steve Carell and Chris Rock (Everybody Hates Chris)
Choice Movie Dance:  Steve Carell and Tina Fey

Katherine!  Poor John Gilbert (David Anders) suddenly lost his fingers and probably his life to the vengeful vampire queen.  Will Damon recognize her kiss in time to save Elena from a similar fate?   

Vamp-killing invention:  Oh, so that’s what the ancient device can do.  A high-pitched soundwave paralyzed the undead locals long enough to stake and burn them.  Sadly, Anna bit the dust—along with the mysterious Mayor Lockwood, whose supernatural roots will soon be uncovered.

Sam, the devil and Michael…all sealed in the cage!  (Kudos to Canton’s Jake Abel, who wasn’t kidding when he teased his return for a “pivotal role.”)  More intriguing, how—and as whom—did Sam later show up freed and sneering?

The sudden, shocking deaths of Castiel and Bobby.  Big relief when the angel got his mojo back.

Zod deep-fried half of Tess Mercer, whose death attracted a strange old woman knitting in the hospital hallway.  Many speculate that she is D.C. supervillain “Granny Goodness,” and her appearance foreshadows a Season 10 storyline of Apokolips and Darkseid.  Bring it on!  

Lois recognized The Blur’s kiss…as Clark!   

Runner-up moments: 

- Clark stabbed himself with blue kryptonite and is plunging toward his death.

-  The 2013 flash-forward headline:  Lex Luthor for President, a call-back to the Season One vision of his future Oval Office reign of terror.

Kooky psycho Katie (Sara’s doppelganger) interrupted everyone’s happy ending—Brooke engaged, Haley pregnant, Julian’s movie sold—by pumping bullets into both Quinn and Clay.  Anyone see that coming?   

Chuck Bass shot!  Seriously, teen billionaires should not be walking the NY streets alone at night. 

Georgina returns bearing evil spawn.  Yeah, she’s pregnant…but why did she first approach Chuck and Serena with tales of Russian mafia horror before visiting alleged baby daddy Dan?

Runner-up moment: 

-  Chuck and Jenny?!  That’ll kill a marriage proposal to Blair every time.   

Naomi assaulted by Mr. Cannon!  Wong place, wrong night for car trouble.  Inside West Bev, the teacher she falsely accused of sexual harassment taunts:  “Who’s gonna believe the girl who cried wolf?”

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.     

Read all about it!  That seems to be the common thread in a wellspring of book news involving WBNX stars and shows.  Here’s the lowdown:  

The Vampire Diaries:   Nearly two decades after the original four novels were released, prolific author L.J. Smith is working overtime on the franchise.  Two stories from her new trilogy, The Return, are already on the shelves, with the third, Midnight, due in early July.  But wait, there’s more!  This week, Ms. Smith confirmed yet another forthcoming trilogy, Stefan’s Diaries, to be set prior to the earliest tomes.  

Legend of the Seeker:   Terry Goodkind has penned eleven Sword of Truth volumes, plus a prequel, since 1994; and it was thought that his final installment, Confessor, would close the series.  However, he announced this week that a new Richard and Kahlan novel is in the works and set for an early 2011 release. 

Supernatural:   Last year, Jim Beaver (Bobby, pictured) published a memoir, Life’s That Way, chronicling his late wife’s battle with terminal cancer and its affect on his family.  The book was released in paperback this week, and in a few days will be available in the online kindle format. 

My Wife & Kids:   Ten years ago, Damon Wayans (Michael) did some comic freestylin’ in Bootleg, a collection of humorous anecdotes and the comedian’s own stand-up material.  Now he tries his hand at straight-on drama in Red Hats, the story of a lonely widow who finds friendship and renewed happiness in an unlikely place.  Look for its release May 4.