CW Orders Additional Scripts for The Originals, The Tomorrow People, and Reign
In October 2013, The CW network showed confidence in three of its freshman series. The Originals, The Tomorrow People, and Reign by ordering additional scripts for each show. This move came early in their runs, signaling the network’s positive reception and anticipation for more content.
The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, premiered on October 3, 2013. The series follows the Mikaelson siblings, the world’s first vampires, as they return to New Orleans to reclaim their city. The show’s early success led the network to order additional scripts after only a few episodes aired.
The Tomorrow People, a sci-fi series based on a British show of the same name, debuted on October 9, 2013. The story centers on a group of young people who possess extraordinary abilities as a result of human evolution. Its strong premiere performance prompted The CW to order extra scripts to continue developing the series.
Reign, a historical drama that reimagines the early life of Mary, Queen of Scots, was set to premiere on October 17, 2013. Even before its debut, the network ordered additional scripts, indicating confidence in the show’s potential to attract viewers and establish a dedicated audience.
Ordering additional scripts is generally a positive sign for a series, suggesting that the network believes in its future and wants to ensure that production can continue smoothly. For these three shows, the additional scripts eventually led to full season pickups.
The success of the series varied over time. The Originals became a fan favorite, running for five seasons and concluding in 2018. Reign enjoyed a four-season run before ending in 2017. The Tomorrow People, however, was canceled after its first season in 2014, despite early enthusiasm.
The early script orders reflected The CW’s strategy of supporting promising new shows while responding quickly to audience interest. By securing additional scripts, the network provided writers and producers the flexibility to expand storylines and develop characters further.
In conclusion, The CW’s decision to order extra scripts for The Originals, The Tomorrow People, and Reign demonstrated confidence in these freshman series and a commitment to cultivating engaging content. While the shows experienced different levels of long-term success, the move helped establish their initial momentum and gave audiences more of the stories they were eager to follow.