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The CW Orders Full Seasons of 'The Originals,' 'The Tomorrow People' & 'Reign'


The Originals


Unlike the big four broadcast networks, The CW seems pretty pleased all around with its freshman class of programs. To that end, the little network that could has granted full 22 episode first season orders to three of its new dramas.

An extension of current CW crown jewel 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The Originals' kicked off via a backdoor pilot episode that aired as part of the most recent 'Diaries' season. The fan reaction was extremely positive, leading to the debut of a full fledged spin-off series on Oct. 3. Klaus and friends have averaged an 0.9 demo rating and over 2 million viewers so far, and is the highest rated new CW series of the season. In fact, 'The Originals' is one of the higher rated shows on The CW, period. Only 'Arrow,' 'Supernatural,' and its own progenitor pull down better numbers.


The Tomorrow People


Next on the pick-up list is 'The Tomorrow People,' a remake of a 1970s British series of the same name. The show stars Robbie Amell in the lead role, cousin of 'Arrow' star Stephen Amell. Notable names like Peyton List ('FlashForward,' 'Mad Men') and Mark Pellegrino ('Lost,' 'Supernatural') help fill out the ensemble cast. 'Tomorrow' hasn't performed quite as well as 'The Originals,' but it's been no slouch either, settling into a consistent rating around the 0.6. range.




The final CW drama to earn its back nine today is 'Reign,' a period drama about the adolescent life of Mary, Queen of Scots. As the curator of our ratings reports, I initially pegged 'Reign' as a likely cancellation, due to premiering with an 0.8 and dropping to an 0.6 the following week. I assumed the show would continue falling, but 'Reign' proved me wrong. It firmly planted itself at 0.6, and hasn't moved an inch since then. While a second season is still by no means guaranteed, the fact that the network gave it a full season is a huge vote of confidence in that direction.

Which of these three shows have you checked out? What should stay, and what should go?

- CW
- The Originals
- Reign
- The Tomorrow People (US)

Written by: Michael Stevenson
Nov 11th, 2013, 7:55 am

Images courtesy of The CW


Message Posted On Feb 6th, 2014, 10:13 am
Up until episode 8 I would have to say Reign was going to lead of the 3 shows. However now it has returned(in OZ), im not impressed with what has been aired. A new title for the show could be considered THE MARY AND BASH DRAMA. I realise this is a work of fiction but given Im a history buff she deserved to executed if only for this failing TV serious.

Message Posted On Jan 22nd, 2014, 12:26 pm
Given the ratings that have been posted my vote would go towards 'Reign' and 'Then Originals'. These are shows that continue to surprise and entertain. Whereas The Tomrrow People become all to predictable after the first episode like, Cara+Stephen. Why must, what could be an ok show, have to ruin it by two of the main actors having sex. Stop selling sex and try selling the show. If this seems immpossible then maybe the writers should go into wardrobe or props. Either way I haven't watched it since. However, I just read that Serinda Swan will be joining cast in episode 13 maybe she will be able to teach stephen&cara how to act that is one episode I will watch.

Message Posted On Dec 8th, 2013, 3:04 pm
I love reign. I am happy they are giving it a full season. I hope reign gets a second season too! Please never cancel reign. #TeamFrancis I love you!!!

Level 2 (40%)
Since: 02/Mar/10
Message Posted On Nov 11th, 2013, 7:50 pm

So Reign with a 0.6 on a secondary network is (likely) more or less profitable (which is an indicator, given that it is probably more expensive than other scripted dramas give that it is historical fiction). How can you justify cancelling cheaper shows with 1.0 or 2.0 (on other networks)?


I get it that you'd want to have the highest rated show and that there is a limited number of time slots and that novetly shows are more likely to achieve higher ratings (if only because there hasn't been atrition, people can start watching because they don't have to catch up with prior season), so you have to be careful, but the pilot/aborted series model currently in use is far too wasteful.


A better strategy to increase retention of shows seems in order: stop cancelling shows after a couple airings (Chaos, Back in the Game, etc.) w/o enough info on real performance (ie, missing out on cult shows like Firefly), just to make room next season for the next crop of shows that will mostly fail (maybe have fewer new shows, and increase retention on existing shows). If only because it is not working, they're hemorraging viewers to alternative media, and they keep cancelling shows that could develop a following if allowed to grow a little - specially when they get cancelled due to factors outside their control (like the writer's strike or changing schedules). Not to mention that the networks air reruns for half the year in an outmoded farming calendar. 



Or they could just try and increase quality and have new progamming year round. Stop trying to extend shows beyond all credutilty (ie, jump the shark season after season) and just tell compelling stories in a small number of seasons: give viewers some reasurance that they'll get closure.


Eyeballs is the product, and changing demographics are making it a dwindling resouce. But (like other comodities), advertisement prices aren't going up because of artificial competition, and the networks don't seem to be trying anything intelligent to try and hold on to the eyeballs they currently have.


They want every show to have a 4.0+ share, so every show has to be sanitized and tweaked to appeal to the broadest viewership possible, but with so many options, people won't keep watching because of all the dilluted content (that interest their specific demographic).


It's like SyFy, it is supposed to be a network about a subculture, a targeted demographic, but they kept trying to cross network boundaries (ie, air shows on USA and other networks of the same conglomerate), and in the end, kept trying to appeal to other demographics and kept alienating its base to the point that it can barely be considered science fiction, and most original programming simply faded away, and with it, most of the science fiction community (so SyFy is just one more of 100 channels nobody watches but for an hour or so a week). 


Level 1 (95%)
Points: 10
Since: 21/May/13
Message Posted On Nov 11th, 2013, 8:00 am

I'm surprised at Reign but not the others. I haven't made my mind up whether i like Reign yet but i'm sway towards the not side, it also doesn't really seem like something that would be popular on that channel either.

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