In a surprise announcement by The CW president Dawn Ostroff today, six CW shows have been given early renewal. It is not a surprise to see among that list Supernatural, which has shown significant ratings growth in season four; Gossip Girl, which also has shown strong growth in the 18-34 female demo; 90210; and America’s Top Model.
Aging Smallville and One Tree Hill also made the list, which was more of a surprise than many realize. There was considerable doubt that Tom Welling of Smallville and Chad Michael Murray of One Tree Hill would sign for another season. Welling has been confirmed, although the terms of the deal were not disclosed. There is no word on Murray, but the assumption is that the show is prepared to go on without him.
Still in limbo are Privileged, Everybody Hates Chris, and The Game. The latter has a deal with BET for syndication and may get a new season there if it is not renewed by The CW. Reaper doesn't come back until March 3rd, and might have a shot if the ratings prove to be good.
There is plenty of speculation as to why this announcement was made out of the blue, but from what I’ve heard, one likely reason is that Ms. Ostroff needed to prove to advertisers that The CW would actually exist next season. It’s also possible the timing of the announcement is in direct relation to the timing of the deal signed by Tom Welling, but that’s not confirmed either.
So what’s in store for Supernatural now that it will be getting that fifth season? Eric Kripke has constantly declared that Supernatural was on a five year plan, and a five year plan only. Consequently, many dedicated fans are treating the next season as the show's last. There is also chatter, based on an interview he gave earlier in the year, that Misha Collins (Castiel) will be joining the cast as a regular.
Article comments
1 - elle2
I am very happy to have the wait over...I was actually saying that due to the bleeding fingernails (from gnawing on them) incurred due to a possible SAG strike -- now at least not a worry for this season but again next season who knows, and whether or not the beloved SPN would get a season five that I actually hoped Kripke just ended it here at Season 4 and I could get on with my life.
I know, heresy.
The fandom was just gearing up for a good snit and railing fit against D.O. and the e-mails and petitions were starting to gather like a storm and poof...we get Season 5. Me thinks Ms. Ostroff is all too aware of the dark demonic-like cloud gathering to hurl itself at her -- otherwise known as the SPN fandom, for which I'm a proud member, and decided to put herself out of her soon to be misery and made the announcement.
Whatever the reason I'm glad for a respite from the angst.
Now I can angst -- in a while, I'm taking several weeks off to rest and recuperate -- about the cliffhanger and perhaps an impending SAG strike over the summer or fall or winter ad nauseaum.
Phew.
2 - Sherry
I'm Freaking psyched!
You what that means........Misha's gonna be a regular! Which means more HOT HUNKY hunter Dean, and a pretty BLUE EYED angel Castiel.
Thanks CW.
3 - vichi
I found out last night about that and even if it was midnight (Romania time) I started to call my friend, and togheter we did the happy dancing and the screaming...
It's a big chance for Kripke to tell his story the way he wanted and I don't freaking care what reasons Dawn Ostroff had to do this announcement, I still think it's the best news I received in a long time! Congrats to Jared and Jensen and all the crew and the cast! I am sorry that Kim died before seeing his show live another year!:(
4 - Haven
I think it's damn lucky that Eric has got his five years, damn excellent too! God knows what's going to happen next season though because now that the Sam vs. Dean has started (since S&V) there's no way to slow it now, it's gonna snowball into something colossal in the season finale!
Although that is wicked to see I hope next season they are still together (gwad, sounds like I'm talking about an old married couple!) I hope Sam doesn't go off with Ruby while Dean goes off with the angels, gulp, please no!
Still, uber excited! I think if a creator can write an episode called 'Jump the Shark' with a third brother and Cousin Oliver's diner (snigger) then I safely believe its nigh impossible for real jumping of the shark to take place. Hopefully....
But God help Kripke if he lets Sam and Ruby elope!!!!!!!
5 - Suze
Joy, Joy, Joy ... But you know this means a Krool Kripke Kliffhanger and another Summer of Discontent coming our way, and thanks to the early pick-up we've got even longer to agonize about what he's got in store ... Yippee! (I'm such a masochist)
6 - FGT
Suits me...Finish with the Apocalypse. The ending to end all endings. Better to have 5 great seasons(Apart from Route 666)than to go down the X-Files route