It’s the last day of TCA, and honestly, my fingers are numb from typing. It’s an amazing blur to be able to get a snapshot of the fall lineup, and hopefully Channel Guide Magazine has helped introduce and explain a few of the series. Our fall preview issue comes out at the beginning of September and we’ll further introduce more of the series.
But today it’s The CW’s turn to highlight their new and returning series.
Paul Hewitt, Senior Vice President of CW network Communications announced that next month is the network’s 10th anniversary, and the network premieres its new and returning series in October.
Hewitt mentioned that the CW’s digital platform, CW Seed, continues to be a place where the network can introduce original programming, points to animated series Vixen as a success since its premiere last year. The network also announced a new animated series, Freedom Fighters: the Ray and showed a first look at series artwork.
Hewitt also announced that old CW/WB/UPN series, Everybody Hates Chris, Girlfriends and The Game will be coming to online streaming later this year.
Then president of CW network, Mark Pedowitz, came out to the tune of the Emmy-nominated song, “Settle for Me,” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, to answer questions.
Pedowitz is excited that the network received 5 Emmy nominations: 4 for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and 1 for Jane the Virgin. But the network head is disappointed that other deserving shows and actors weren’t recognized.
We wanted to have year-round scripted programming. By having 15 scripted series, viewers can catch original programming in the fall, mid-season and summer.
Are there any rumblings in the “Berlanti-verse” for a fifth DC series? Pedowitz wasn’t expecting to have four superhero shows on the network, but is thrilled to have Supergirl move over from sister-network CBS. He points to the Arrow universe as a place where new characters can come from. “If anyone pops,” he says, he’ll be looking. The network will present a joint panel for Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
Pedowitz announces that the network is no longer developing a series based on Friday the 13th.
The Vampire Diaries last bite? At ComicCon, the CW announced that Season 8 will be the series’ last. Creator & executive producer Julie Plec felt that this was the right time to end the series, and “Go out in the right way.” There are discussions to have Nina Dobrev back and Pedowitz says, “Hopefully she will be back, and if it doesn’t work out, Julie Plec has a great series finale planned.”
CW shows air on Netflix shortly after air and Pedowitz explains, “People who want to watch in-season will watch in-season. People who want to binge, will.” The network wants to enable anyone to watch/catch up on their series.
How long will Supernatural air? The series is bringing in Rick Springfield for a multi-episode story arc where Lucifer jumps into the body of an aging rocker. He’ll be in a couple of episodes. Pedowitz is happy with the creative direction of Supernatural, notes “Jared and Jensen are very happy,” says “If the ratings hold, the series could outlive my tenure.”
“We have a very specific mission: we believe in high concept, Would we like Homeland or The Night Of? Sure, as long as it fits our demographics.” The CW has found, if it’s high concept, (and it can be in title, or genre) that those work for us, It helps define us. The challenge is balancing; we don’t want to overextend ourselves.
Be the first to comment