While most networks have pilot projects at each other's throats vying for a spot on the schedule, the CW's forecast was pretty clear--let's give the advertisers kids what they want! That meant prepping a Melrose Place remake, a vampire drama, and a Gossip Girl spinoff. Easiest scheduling decision ever, right?
Well, maybe not. While a new Melrose and The Vampire Diaries are chugging along quite smoothly, Deadline Hollywood is reporting that the ballyhooed Gossip Girl spinoff, featuring a young Lily van der Woodsen (née Rhodes) tromping around 1980s Los Angeles, is "done" as in dead. "Put a fork in it," said author Nikki Finke, a proven source of inside information.
Whoa, what!? This was a shoo-in for the fall schedule and now it's done? E! Online has another side of the story, with insiders saying that "nothing is dead," and everything is still in the race. However, that sounds more like PR spin than any actual scoop. For the record, the CW's official statement on the situation is "No comment."

The problem for The CW is scheduling space. The network only has four open slots to fill, and E! says sophomore drama Privileged is looking like a solid candidate for one (we'll believe that when we see it). That leaves just three chairs for the Melrose remake, The Vampire Diaries, the Gossip Girl spinoff, and The Beautiful Life starring Mischa Barton.
Word is Melrose is already in, and The CW would be insane not to take a chance with The Vampire Diaries given how much heat bloodsuckers have. As for The Beautiful Life, the models-in-a-house drama is produced by Ashton Kutcher, who is buddy-buddy with the CW, and would make a perfect match for America's Next Top Model. That may leave the Gossip Girl spinoff the odd man out.
We will know more next week when Gossip Girl airs its flashbacking would-be spinoff-launch episode (could a spike in ratings change execs' minds?). Personally, we're dying to see more of Krysten Ritter as a valley girl (pictured, above). Okay, we're just dying to see more of Krysten Ritter period.