This week all the major networks held their annual TCA (Television Critics Association) winter press tour, where the executives announce new shows and give some details on returning shows. Today I attended The CW event, and here are the highlights:
Monday: Everybody Hates Chris was given a 22 episode order. The CW really believes in this show. Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, said she thought it was better than last year, and more or less begged us to start watching it again.
Tuesday: Ostroff says the second half of the Gilmore Girls season will be stronger than the first, when new showrunner David Rosenthal had to get himself out of the corner he was written into by departing show creator Amy Sherman Paladino. When asked what the chances were of signing Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel on for additional years, Ostroff said only, “we’re talking to them.” But things are looking good for Veronica Mars. “Viewer support has made a huge difference in keeping this show on the air,” said Ostroff. So let’s continue showing our support VM lovers! But [frown] Veronica will go off the air for 8 weeks to make room for The Search for the Next [Pussycat] Doll. Say it isn’t so.
Wednesday: Top Model is doing great, blah blah blah. The biggest news about Top Model was the new mobile application where users can pick a model avatar, and have her live on their phone. One Tree Hill “has been a great story for us,” said Ostroff, adding that people often come up to her to say how much they love the show. (Personally, I think it’s running out of story to tell. About those rumors that OTH will skip ahead 4 years, Ostroff said the producers had not approached her about that.)
Thursday: Smallville scored its best ratings with last night’s Justice episode, blah blah blah. The real story is how ridiculously cute Supernatural’s Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are. Well, to me anyway. No news on the show’s chances of being picked up, but the Winchester brothers and the show’s producers, Erik Kripke and Robert Singer, did joke that they have “the mythology all planned out for season 7.” (The show is currently in its second season.)
As for all the rest, when asked whether 7th Heaven would be cancelled due to sagging ratings, Ostroff laughed, “never say never.” But something will need to get cancelled to provide space for some new CW shows: Besides Crowned, The CW will debut Hidden Palms, created by Kevin Williamson. “A hybrid of Scream and Dawson’s Creek,” said Ostroff, referring to the film and TV show that Williamson wrote. Williamson says the show will focus on mysteries and characters. The cast was at The CW event, and look out for Michael Cassidy, folks. I don’t think it comes across on screen just how dynamic a presence he is in person. Speaking of dynamic, The Search for the Next Doll premiers on March 6, a reality show chronicling the search for the newest member of the pop phenomenon The Pussycat Dolls. I’m sure this show will be a huge hit, but judging from the clips that I saw, it feels very “Been there done that.” Plus, giggle at this: they think show is empowering for women. Don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?
Karen Woodward - Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I've lived in Los Angeles since 1994. A communications major at University of Colorado, ...
