The CW has picked up its The Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals to series with a 13 episode order and also renewed drama series Beauty and the Beast and Hart of Dixie. Beauty and the Beast will return for a second season, while Hart of Dixie will return for a third season.
“As soon as we saw last night’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, we knew we wanted more of The Originals — Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson have done a fantastic job with The Vampire Diaries, which is as fast-paced and well-written as ever, and Julie has created an equally compelling world for The Originals,” said Mark Pedowitz, President of The CW. “We’re also very excited to bring back Beauty And The Beast and Hart Of Dixie for next season — both series continue to be creatively strong and compelling, and their fans are incredibly passionate.”
As TVWise previously reported, despite so-so ratings both Hart of Dixie and Beauty and the Beast were expected to be picked up for next season. Digital plays were key to the renewals, while word is that international sales for Beauty and the Beast was another key factor in the decision. As for The Originals, the series pick up had been expected for a while. The spin-off has been generating solid buzz for weeks and despite some less than stellar ratings last night, that was more than enough to earn it a spot on the network’s 2013-2014 schedule. For those who will ask about the network’s remaining two shows, sources tell me that The Carrie Diaries is set to be cancelled and Nikita will return for a fourth season, though I now hear that it won’t be for a full season.
