Smallscreen News
The CW Upfront report: 90210 leads the way
By M&C Smallscreen
May 14, 2008, 2:34 GMT

The CW is retaining its signature shows, but its newest effort of the "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff, Tyra Banks' "Stylista," and "Surviving the Filthy Rich," will crown the network's fall 2008 lineup.

These shows were announced at the Tuesday Upfront.

The CW seems has well enough good, as three days appear relatively unchanged - Mondays is owned by "Gossip Girl" -- the network's most buzzworthy show in its first season out -- and "One Tree Hill."

Thursdays is sci fi night with "Smallville" and "Supernatural."

Wednesdays is  "America's Next Top Model" and new show "Stylista" produced by Tyra Banks and Ken Mok, who are behind "Top Model," but it also follows the fashion reality competition theme.

"Stylista" offers 11 hopefuls the chance for a slot as assistant to Elle magazine's Fashion News Director Anne Slowey. After they complete their tasks, Slowey will consult with the magazine's creative director Joe Zee to eliminate the competitors one by one.

The final person wins a paid editorial position at the magazine, a paid great apartment (year's rent) in Manhattan, and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000.

Tuesdays will be for "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff, titled simply "90210," and the new series "Surviving the Filthy Rich."

90210 will focus on three generations of a family that has just moved to Beverly Hills with the daughter and adopted son attending West Beverly High. Former "90210" alum Jennie Garth will reprise her role as Kelly Taylor, who is now a guidance counselor at her alma mater.  Tori Spelling is also mentioned as a casting possiblity.

"Filthy Rich" -- previously known by the title "How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls" centers on Yale graduate Megan Smith, an beginning journalist who becomes the live-in tutor for a cosmetic titan's twin teen granddaughters Rose (Lucy Kate Hale) and Sage (Ashley Newbrough), rather rambunctious and rebellious teens. Situated in Palm Beach, Megan's romantic involvements include a wealthy neighbor who is dating her estranged sister, while her longtime friend Charlie is secretly in love with her.

Friday The CW has filled the hours once occupied by "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" with comedies "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game," along with an encore presentation of "Top Model."

"With shows that everyone is talking about, from 'Gossip Girl' and 'America'' Next Top Model' to our upcoming '90210,' our new lineup has the best Monday-Friday schedule flow we have ever had at The CW," said Dawn Ostroff, the network's president of entertainment.

"We are zeroed in on our target demo of young women 18-34 with both new and returning series, and each programming block provides a strong promotional platform for the following night. We're confident that the quality of our shows for the fall season will make The CW the destination for young women."

So that leaves the real Sunday open for yet to be announced programming by Media Rights Capital. MRC will create a three hour block consisting of two comedies and two dramas. No other details have been released at this time.

Previously announced, The CW renewed the critical darling "Reaper" for a second season, which will return as a midseason filler of 13 episodes.

Dead report: No more  "CW Now," "Online Nation," "Life is Wild," "Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants," "Pussycat Dolls Presents," "Girlfriends,""WWE Friday Night Smackdown!," "Beauty and the Geek" and "Farmer Wants a Wife".

The CW's new fall season will launch on Monday, Sept. 1.