Bigger Than Gossip Girl?

I was one of the 4.9 million people who watched the 2-hour premiere of the CW's 90210, and I have to say, I will definitely be watching it again. Though it's no Gossip Girl, it's addicting, and it should be interesting to see what unravels over the next few weeks. It's worth noting that 90210 was the highest-rated scripted debut in the network's two-year history, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

After rumors that the network might be in trouble, it looks as though the success of fall shows like 90210 and Gossip Girl have put those worries to rest. Television historian Tim Brooks said: "I think it's probably excessive to pin the survival of a network on a single show, but unquestionably the relaunch of this well-known franchise is going to be inordinately important in bringing some heat back to the CW, and forestalling further erosion of their audience. Youth-oriented networks, more than anyone, need heat." Additionally, with shows like America's Next Top Model (which premieres tonight at 8/7c) and the new series Privileged, the CW appears to be in great shape.

So, back to 90210. The Wilson family (parents Harry and Debbie, and kids Annie and Dixon) have moved to Beverly Hills from Kansas to take care of Harry's aging mother Tabitha, a former actress with a penchant for booze and crude (but hilarious) comments. Harry (Rob Estes) is the new principal of West Beverly High School, and his wife (played by Lori Laughlin) is sort of a stay at home mom, though she does have a job in the fashion industry. Annie (Shenae Grimes, who reminds me of a skinnier, prettier, brunette version of Heidi Montag) and her adopted brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds from The Wire) must adjust to life in their new zip code and all the spoiled rich kids whom they now call their peers. Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) is the Blair Waldorf of WBHS, and her boyfriend Ethan (Dustin Milligan) is the new Nate Archibald - the popular, athletic guy every girl wants. But wait! There is another pretty boy in the mix: the rich, hot and musically talented Ty Collins (Adam Gregory), who serves as a love interest for little Annie.

Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold) is the super hunky teacher and lacrosse coach who goes on a date with school counselor Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth), but I have a sneaking suspicion that he might be giving one of the modelesque female students more than just extra credit. Kelly's little sis, Silver (Jessica Stroup) is the resident rocker chick on campus and the arch rival of Naomi, after their friendship went sour a few years earlier (think Janice and Regina in Mean Girls). Finally, Adriana (Jessica Lowndes) is an artsy, druggy, backstabbing friend of Naomi's, and she is definitely one to watch.

With all the love triangles, rivalry, hot teachers, and impeccably dressed rich bitches, this show has secured a spot on my fall TV list!