It was announced by TVbytheNumbers that The CW has given early renewals to The Vampire Diaries, 90210, Gossip Girl, Supernatural, and America’s Next Top Model. The network hasn’t given any indications yet on “bubble” shows Nikita, One Tree Hill, and Hellcats.
The main thing holding back One Tree Hill for a ninth season is the contract negotiations with star James Lafferty. While the show is well past its prime, it still is a consistent player for the network. However, if Lafferty leaves, the show will definitely be at a loss losing its big male lead. If One Tree Hill doesn’t get renewed, Supernatural will become the CW’s flagship drama, with its seventh season renewal. America’s Next Top Model will return for its 17th cycle, which will be All-Star edition that will have standouts from the past cycles returning.
The CW still has a long way to grow to become a force against the main networks, but if The Vampire Diaries continues to grow like it has, the dream could be a reality soon.