TV Upfronts: The CW's 2013-2014 Schedule

Much like its corporate sibling, The CW wasn't afraid of moving around some pieces while keeping its heavy-hitters in place to help launch new shows.


2013-2014 Fall Line-up (NOTE: New shows are in UPPER CASE and times are Eastern Standard)

Mondays
8-10p: Hart of Dixie
10-11p: Beauty and the Beast

Initial Thoughts: I wasn't shocked when these two shows were renewed, but I never thought I'd see them on the same night since there's more compatible programming to go along with them. I wonder if The CW's just conceded Monday nights to the big boys.

Tuesdays
8-9p: THE ORIGINALS
10-11p: Supernatural

Initial Thoughts: I would've bet good money on The Originals following The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural sticking with Arrow. It's a good thing I'm not a gambler. The thing is, it kind of makes sense to cut the cord between the two vampire shows because The Originals should be able to handle its own business. As for Supernatural, the fans will follow it anywhere The CW puts it, so why not let Arrow launch a new show.

Wednesdays

8-9p: Arrow
10-11p: The Tomorrow People


Initial Thoughts: Since Arrow's one of The CW's only two hits, the networklet needs to use it to build its line-up, and The Tomorrow People seems like a decent enough fit.

Thursdays

8-9p: The Vampire Diaires
10-11p: REIGN

Initial Thoughts: Reign's probably a risky choice for The CW, but pairing it with TVD shouldn't hurt (but the same was said about Nikita, The Secret Circle, and Beauty and the Beast). That said, I can see it catching on with the TVD set.

Fridays
8-9p: The Carrie Diaries
10-11p: America's Next Top Model

Initial Thoughts: Thematically I can see why The CW would put these two shows together, but I would've much rather seen TCD with HoD on Mondays and a Friday night consisting of Nikita and Beauty and the Beast, but oh well.

Mid-Season: The 100, Nikita, and Star-Crossed

So there you have it. The newest offerings from the five U.S. networks. All in all, it was a somewhat lackluster Upfront season in spite of some interesting programming choices. Sure, we're getting some genre fare (sci-fi, superheroes, historical dramas), but most of the offerings feel like they're chasing a ten-year old trend. I won't be surprised if everyone's wiping the slate clean next season... except for CBS of course.