The CW on Dish Network makes some decisions regarding new fall shows

The CW has made some decisions about the imminent future of a few of its shows. They have recently asked the producers of "Melrose Place" and "The Vampire Diaries" for additional scripts, an early sign more episodes of each could be on their way.The decision to order more episodes of "Diaries" is not surprising, considering the series opened as the network's most-watched series ever (no doubt riding the vampire success wave of Twilight and "True Blood.") "Diaries" received a nine-script order, and right now things are looking good for the series to receive a full-season order.The request for more scripts of "Melrose," however, is a little more confusing.

The CW asked for six more scripts, despite the fact that the show lost almost a third of it's lead-in "90210's" audience this week. In just its third week on the air, the heavily-hyped remake dipped to a low 1.0 household rating with just 1.5 million total viewers.Despite the poor showing, The CW is showing no indication that "Melrose" is anywhere near endangered. They recently confirmed that Heather Locklear would reprise her role as vixen Amanda Woodward later this fall. This also shows the network is supporting the new series and remains hopeful.

According to Variety, CW executives are still hopeful that the show, with help from Locklear, can make a ratings turnaround. Another reason to keep "Melrose" on the air - fellow freshmen series "The Beautiful Life" is also tanking. The new series about models making a living in New York City, which was never properly promoted by the network, is suffering lousier showings than "Melrose." And odds are, if one of the shows has to go, it would be "Life." The CW can't really afford to cancel two shows at this time, and "Melrose" has the better chance of catching on with viewers (remember, the original didn't catch on until the second season.)


Also add to that the fact that it has somewhat of a built-in audience with fans who are familiar with characters from the original incarnation, and it seems almost a sure bet that "Melrose" would survive the axe.Meanwhile, "One Tree Hill" has quietly received a full season order for its seventh outing. The veteran soap, which underwent a major casting overhaul this season, initially opened with a 13-episode order. Two of the shows biggest stars - Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton - departed after last season, so the CW must have faith that the show will be able to survive without them. They have added heartthrob Robert Buckley to the cast, as well as newcomer Shantel Van Santen (who was seen in this summer's hit The Final Destination.)

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By: Frank Bilotta