CW adds three new shows for 2013-14

Once again, The CW is shaking up its schedule with changes being made on all nights, adding three new series to the lineup and taking a more sci-fi-ish approach as opposed to the rich, lavish teen soaps that attract the 18-34 white female demo.

The three new shows are Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals; Reign, about a young Mary Queen Of Scots; and the third incarnation (but the first American adoption) of The Tomorrow People, which aired on British broadcaster ITV from 1973-79, and again from 1992-94, re-imagined for a more kid-friendly audience (which enabled Nickelodeon to carry this version in the U.S.)

The CW has also ordered three midseason entries: reality series Famous in 12, which is produced in association with TMZ; and dramas The 100 and Star-Crossed. Nikita is also returning midseason for a six-episode curtain call.

Exiting the lineup is 90210, Emily Owens, and Cult, though all three of those programs were canceled a while back. Gossip Girl retired in December 2012.

Monday nights have two sophomore series paired: Hart Of Dixie and Beauty And The Beast. Tuesdays kicks off with The Originals followed by ironhorse Supernatural. Wednesdays has Arrow paired up with Tomorrow People. Thursdays has returning Vampire Diaries followed by Reign. And on Friday, The Carrie Diaries starts the evening and it ends with America’s Next Top Model, which hasn’t been on the air in nearly a year.

For a schedule and a complete description of CW’s new fall shows, click here.

Thoughts: Much like a Twinkie, the good stuff is in the middle – that’s what The CW’s schedule is like this fall – yours truly loves the sci-fi/genre TV direction the network is heading. The Vampire Diaries‘ spinoff should attract an audience, as should Reign.

On a different note, CW should be lauded for their continued partnership with Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio for several music and concert specials. They don’t resonate in the ratings much, but those specials are attractive to advertisers wanting to reach a younger audience.

But the scheduling is a different story. Why not slot Originals after Vampire Diaries, since its a direct spinoff? Makes more sense.

The less said about CW’s Monday and Friday’s lineup, the better.

With affiliate contracts up in three years – including one with its biggest group Tribune Broadcasting, The CW needs to improve their ratings, and not just in the female 18-34 demo. Continuing to air duds like Beauty And The Beast and keeping Top Model won’t help them achieve that goal.