Will the 2008 - 2009 Season Be the Last for the CW?

Normally the television upfront meetings where the different television networks announce the schedule for the following year are a time of excitement. But one network might not be so excited. The CW announced their new schedule like everybody else, but this time next year they might be in their final days. There are some reports last week that the CW could be in a lot of trouble in the near future. So much trouble that the CW could be coming to an end soon.

The CW was created because UPN and the WB were both having trouble getting any ratings. The two networks combined. UPN and the WB both averaged about 3 million viewers in their last seasons. Obviously the idea was that the two networks together would average about 6 million viewers. But instead the combined networks are still only averaging 3 million viewers.

The creation of the CW might just be bad timing as the CW started just as some of their most popular television shows, like 7th Heaven and Gilmore Girls, were ending.

Because of the struggles the CW is going after an even more specific audience next season. In the past the CW has marketed towards the 18 - 34 year old demographic but next season they are specifically going after the 18 - 34 year old females. That explains the creation of the new Beverly Hills 90210 show and the cancellation of WWE's Smackdown. Other shows directed towards the female fans include Gossip Girls, One Tree Hill and America's Next Top Model.

There are a few CW television shows that will be returning despite not being directed towards females, like Smallville and Supernatural, because they have done well in the ratings.

The reason the bad ratings could be the demise of the CW is because of the amount of money that networks depend on advertising. The advertisers aren't very impressed by the CW's ratings and have looked elsewhere for places to advertise. It is also being said that one of the owners of the CW is so frustrated that he is ready to give up.

The CW's lineup for 2008-2009:
Monday:
8 PM - Gossip Girl
9 PM - One Tree Hill

Tuesday:
8 PM - 90210
9 PM - Surviving the Filthy Rich

Wednesday:
8 PM - America's Next Top Model
9 PM - Stylista