In news that realistically should have been released a few weeks ago, The CW finally confirmed a back nine order for “The Vampire Diaries.” The freshman drama, which has held strong since its record-setting premiere in viewers (it is the most viewed show on the network) and key demographics (it is number two in women 18-34), now has a full season and will remain at the forefront of The CW’s programming roster.
Interestingly, though not surprisingly, was The CW’s simultaneous order of more episodes from another freshman series–“Melrose Place.” Though most figured The CW would be hesitant to give up on its heavily-hyped new show, especially given Heather Locklear’s buzzed about return to the franchise next month, its ratings would not have justified an additional episode order under most standards.
Tuesday’s episode drew a mere 0.7 in adults 18-49 and just 1.5 million viewers.
Though any sort of pickup might surprise ratings followers, The CW was understandably conservative in its order–it added only five additional segments. An order for the final four season one hours would presumably hinge on signs of a ratings turnaround.
