xoxo CW???

Hmmm...interesting news coming out of this week's upfronts (during which networks present their Fall slate of new and returning TV shows).

It appears that time may be running out for the CW - the barely two year old network put together Frankenstein-style from the rotting carcasses of the WB and UPN. This is slightly scary news for me since I have a vested interest in several of the CW shows, which would promptly die should such horrible fate away the network. Apparently the ratings have nosedived between 24 - 28% from last year, which wasn't too much to write home about to begin with.

This despite the major buzz for their critically well received pilots such as Gossip Girl (my new favourite guilty pleasure) and Reaper (which I found repetitive, but has apparently improved steadily following the writers' strike). Apparently the network has one more year to show its mettle, so it better hope that the reincarnated 90210 and other teen-girl targeted shows take off or else it might be xoxo for the former frog net!

Read the story here

P.s. In case you were wondering my true investment in the under-twenty net is Supernatural, a criminally overlooked gem of a show about demon fighting (hot) brothers.

The Wonderful World of Teen Television

I just finished reading an article (7 pages!) about the importance of Gossip Girl, the CW's low-rated, buzzworthy show about bitchy/troubled NY kids, their bitchy/troubled parents and the omniscient titular blogger who covers their pitfalls and successes.

Process that for a moment: 7 pages...

Most people would think that that's more than a little excessive. 7 pages in New York Magazine about a teen show with a bunch of nobdy actors? Before we break out the OMFG (to quote the show's recent racy ad campaign), let's be honest with ourselves: even if you think the show is absolute shit, it doesn't mean that it doesn't have mondo cultural importance.

For one the show is literally redefining the way television is monitored. Neilson can't get a fix on it at all (typical episodes come in at a truly pathetic 2.5 million, or half the numbers of the O.C. in its final low-rated season). The reason that the show is considered a success - and it is (consider the fact it was picked up for a second season three episodes out of the gate) - is because it doubles its viewing audience when online factors such as iTunes and live streaming is factored in. DOUBLES! That's absolutely crazy - even Lost doesn't do that (the highest online shows usually up their viewing audience by around 12-20%, not 50).

Beyond that people need to look beyond the whole "teen show" stigma. Get over yourselves people! We were the generation of 90210, Dawson's Creek and Buffy! Even if you didn't like these shows, you can't deny their importance in the cultural spectrum (so much so that 90210 is coming back next year...on the CW).

It aggravates me so much when people don't give "low" genres - like teen shows - a fair shot. Everything is valid. I'd readily admit that I hate Two and a Half Men, but I don't deny that it has a place on television as the highest rated sitcom (somebody's gotta be watching that piece of shit!).

So the next time someone talks about Gossip Girl or any other 'low' form of entertainment, be sure to put them in their place and ask them to stop being such a hater! Lord knows Gossip Girl would...and she'd put it up on her site for all to see...