CW Gives Full-Season Orders To Freshmen 'Hellcats', 'Nikita' & Veteran 'One Tree Hill'

http://www.deadline.com/2010/10/cw-gives-full-season-orders-to-freshmen-hellcats-nikita-veteran-one-tree-hill/

Just like its sister network CBS did yesterday, the CW today handed out full-season orders to all of its freshman series. In its case, it's 2: Hellcats and Nikita. Also getting a full-season order is CW veteran One Tree Hill, which has been a solid ratings performer in its current eighth season. No decision yet on the fourth CW series originally picked up with a 13-episode order, sophomore Life Unexpected. After a promising uptick a couple of weeks ago, it has slipped again in the ratings and continues to rank as CW's lowest-rated series. There is a glimmer of hope - the critically-praised drama recently received an order for 2 additional scripts, but its chances are slim. The network recently greenlighted dramedy pilot Danni Lowinski as a potential midseason replacement. The back-nine episodic orders for Hellcats and OTH follow the pickup of 6 additional scripts for both series a month ago. “By giving our two freshman series and proven performer One Tree Hill full orders, we’ll be able to continue our success and momentum throughout the rest of the season,” CW entertainment president Dawn Ostroff said. Cheerleading drama Hellcats, starring Aly Michalka and Ashley Tisdale, has posted the best retention of any show to follow America’s Next Top Model and has dramatically improved the Wednesday 9 PM period. It is averaging 2.5 million viewers and a 1.2/4 in adults 18-34. The Maggie Q-starring Nikita (3.6 million) has become the second most-watched show on The CW behind its Thursday lead-in, flagship CW drama The Vampire Diaries.