The CW Announces Their First Primetime Schedule

After months of speculation, the CW finally reveals plans for their very first fall primetime schedule. As UPN and the WB merge into the CW, many hours of programming had to be cut, leaving fans wondering the fate of their favorite shows. After touting the series finale for months, in a surprising and unprecedented move, the network picked up 7th Heaven for an eleventh season. The good news: One Tree Hill, Veronica Mars and Supernatural have survived the merge. The bad news: Despite an impressive fan campaign, Everwood has been cancelled. Only one new drama will premiere this fall and one more to premiere mid-season. The dream pairing of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars on Tuesday nights has become a reality, while the pairing of Smallville and Supernatural remains intact on Thursday nights. An oddly familiar season awaits us and I, for one am looking forward to this fall on the CW.

New Dramas in 2006/2007:

Runaway
After being accused of a horrendous crime, Paul Rader takes his family on the run. Not only is this family hiding from the law, they also must escape from the real murderer, who has targeted the children as his next victims. The series stars Donnie Wahlberg as Paul Rader, Leslie Hope as Lily Rader, Dustin Milligan as Henry Rader, Sarah Ramos as Hannah Rader, Nathan Gamble as Tommy Rader, Susan Floyd as Gina Bennett, Karen LeBlanc as Angela Huntley and is produced by Darren Star and Ed Zuckerman.
Chance of success: 50/50. While the premise sounds fascinating, it also airs against three other new series.

Hidden Palms -- Mid-Season
Can the CW strike gold twice with producer Kevin Williamson (Dawson's Creek)? After his father commits suicide, 15-year-old Johnny Miller is forced to move to Palm Springs with his mother and her new husband. While Palm Springs seems normal, there are explosive secrets hidden underneath the surface, which will make this family wonder who their neighbors really are. The series stars Michael Cassidy as Cliff Wiatt, Taylor Handley as Johnny Miller, Amber Heard as Greta, Sharon Lawrence as Tess Wiatt, D.W. Moffet as Bob Hardy, Gail O'Grady as Karen Hardy, Ellary Porterfield as Liza Witter, and Cheryl White as Helen Witter.
Chance of success: Depending where this series lands on the line-up, there is a chance it may find some success, especially among the teen demographic.

The CW Fall 2006 Television Schedule At-a-Glance

MONDAY
8:00-9:00PM 7th Heaven
9:00-10:00PM Runaway (New Series)

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00PM Gilmore Girls
9:00-10:00PM Veronica Mars

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00PM America's Next Top Model
9:00-10:00PM One Tree Hill

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00PM Smallville
9:00-10:00PM Supernatural

FRIDAY
8:00-10:00PM Friday Night Smackdown

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30PM Everbody Hates Chris
7:30-8:00PM All of Us
8:00-8:30PM Girlfriends
8:30-9:00PM The Game
9:00-10:00PM America's Next Top Model (Encore Presentation)