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TV of Tomorrow: Fall TV Preview 2010

The CW's 2010-2011 first impressions: Cheerleaders and assassins

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May 22, 2010 7:52 PM ET

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maggie-q-nikita.jpgFor the first time since the network's inception in 2006, The CW has 10 full hours of original programming scheduled for Fall 2010. After some contention, the only drama from last season that was canceled was "Melrose Place." (We'll miss you, Ella Simms!)

The CW opted to keep both of our favorite bubble shows, "Life Unexpected" and "One Tree Hill," though they only ordered 13 episodes of each so far. With Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays occupied by old favorites, there wasn't much room left for new series.

The network only picked up two new shows, "Hellcats" and "Nikita." Zap2it was on the scene at The CW's Upfront Presentation in New York City on May 20th to preview both new series and chat with the stars. Here are our first impressions:

"Nikita" (watch clips)

The CW has this assassin-centric action drama positioned for success on Thursday nights, following the network's best-rated series, "The Vampire Diaries." At the Upfronts, we were riveted by the footage we saw from the pilot. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't a direct remake of "La Femme Nikita." This time, Nikita (Maggie Q) has gone rogue, and the Division has sent Michael (Shane West) to eliminate her.

First of all, star Maggie Q is perfectly cast. Her resume includes movies from the "Die Hard," "Mission Impossible," and "Rush Hour" franchises, and as The CW's President of Entertainment, Dawn Ostroff, gleefully pointed out at the presentation, Maggie does all of her own stunts. We're excited to see a female lead in an action/adventure series.

Judging from our first look, the series looks incredibly expensive. Ostroff mentioned that every episode will feel like watching a "mini action movie." If the entire series can live up to the production values of the pilot, this show may set a new standard at The CW. It will certainly stand out.

That said, standing out isn't always a good thing. We're not entirely sure where "Nikita" fits in with The CW's current branding. It certainly doesn't match "Gossip Girl" or "90210," which embody the trend-setter vibe that The CW is so keen on marketing. It doesn't really fit in with "Vampire Diaries," "Smallville," or "Supernatural" on the fantasy side of the network's line-up, either. Because it's so different, the show is truly a gamble for the network. We're expecting them to throw a whole lot of marketing dollars at this one over the summer, so get ready for some billboards.

"Hellcats" (watch clips)

Confession: We really didn't want to like this show. It looks like "Bring it On," and when we read The CW's press release that described Aly Michalka's character, Marty, as "cool, hip, and alt," we rolled our eyes so hard they nearly fell out. We couldn't help but wonder why "Smallville" star Tom Welling chose this as his first non-"Smallville" executive producing gig.

"[What appealed to me was] the sacrifice that Aly's character goes through," Welling told us. "What you're willing to give up in order to get what you want out of life because you can't have everything. She sacrifices a lot."

Okay, so maybe being forced to abandon your "cool, hip, and alt" image to land a cheerleading scholarship isn't what we'd call a great sacrifice, but we have decided to give this series a shot. The preview of the pilot was intriguing. We particularly loved the sexy, hip hop dance-driven cheerleading performances. They made us want to get out of our seats, and the only other show that does that is "Glee."

Ashley Tisdale has promised us that her character isn't the cookie-cutter mean girl we expected her to be, and though we wouldn't describe Michalka's performance as "alt," she does seem relatable and fun. Plus, there's no shortage of dirty jokes in the pilot, and when all else fails, a good laugh always reels us in.

What we're most looking forward to is the love triangle that looks to be developing. We know, we know. Another teen drama with a love triangle, how original! Look, it may be a formula, but it's a formula that works. Marty's unconventional moves on the cheerleading mat catch the eye of hottie Lewis (Robbie Jones), but her best friend Dan (Matt Barr) seems a little peeved by that. Come on, everybody loves a good platonic-but-secretly-pining-best-friend story, right?

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Photo credit: CW
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in Fall TV Preview, Nikita, TV Network Upfronts, TV News

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 |  Comments (13)

Dawn is one stupid president for letting go of MELROSE PLACE for HELLCATS!!!!!!!

Although, NIKITA Does LOOK like a great show.

Hope it doesn't bobm from The Vampire Diaries Lead in sice MELROSE did from 90210.

I sware these CW execs need to take Marketing 101 all over again.

They can never call the CW the predecessor of the WB cuz WB shows never had ratings that were less that 5 million the least.

If WB esisted, mabye MELROSE would've had a chance.

Sid | May 22, 2010 8:05 PM

Why do writers keep dissing certain shows because "they don't fit the CW *brand*?" What, does every single show on a network have to be cut from the same mold? Uh, that ain't workin', or hadn't you noticed?

Do DWTS and Grey's and Modern Family have any similarities? No.

Do Chuck, The Biggest Loser and The Office belong to the same "brand?" Of course not.

Is Big Bang Theory akin to Survivor or CSI? No.

What do Bones, Idol and The Simpsons have in common? Only the network they air on, FOX.

So please, critics/reviewers: Find something ELSE to criticize The CW about, because this whole "it's not the same *brand* as everything else on The CW" is just so ridiculous, I can't believe I had to call you out on it.

Jason | May 22, 2010 8:40 PM

I didn't mean that as a criticism of the show, Jason. Just as an observation - when an audience is used to seeing a certain thing from The CW, it can be harder to market something new.

Carina MacKenzie | May 22, 2010 8:58 PM


I know I'm going to love "Nakita" and "Hellcats" on the CW, just as I love the 2 1/2 Men reruns. Maggie Q is Hot, Hot, Hot! ! ! Can anyone tell me when the first Weds and Thurs. they'll be on, so I can mark it on my calendar. Y'all have my e-mail address.

josiewales | May 22, 2010 9:10 PM

@Jason,
The CW's strategy is to attract a very specific audience. ABC, CBS, and Fox have a strategy to attract a wide range of viewers.
If the CW were to stray for their strategy and pick up a comedy about retired baseball stars, no one would tune in to watch, as such a show does not fit the brand.

Jeff | May 22, 2010 9:17 PM

Nikita seems like it's going to a great show to watch on the CW. Maggie Q is a good action star for the show.

ME | May 22, 2010 9:34 PM

Nikita seems like a good show to watch. Maggie Q is a good action star for the show.

ME | May 22, 2010 9:54 PM

Putting "Nikita" in after the Vampire Diaries lead in is a cheap, backward-looking decision on the CW's part, because that comes at the expense of their best show, Supernatural, being moved into the Friday @ 9 death slot.

And "Hellcats"?
Seriously?

CW is a childish network.

JJ | May 22, 2010 10:19 PM

I "sware", Sid needs to take Grade 5 English over again...to learn how to spell.

And Sid, no-one is calling the CW the 'predecessor' of the WB. Put simply, 'predecessor' means "came before". The CW is the successor ("came after") of the WB...and, technically, the Paramount network too, since the CW is the combination of both networks.

Rick | May 22, 2010 10:56 PM

Sounds like maybe The CW is looking at ditching it's strategy. Why should you WANT to be in last place every night in the ratings? The Vampire Diaries is a much more mature show than The CW usually airs and we see how that's paid off. They could become a real network easily.

JettaJameson | May 22, 2010 11:32 PM
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