http://www.variety.com/article/VR111799687...yid=14&cs=1

'Gossip Girl' spinoff in development

CW seeks tentpole project for next season

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

The CW may utilize an episode of "Gossip Girl" later this year to test the spinoff waters.

According to netlet insiders, one of the hit teen skein's segs later this season may double as a backdoor pilot for a "Gossip Girl" spinoff. Such a move would save in pilot costs, and allow the CW a chance to gauge viewer reaction before moving forward on such a companion show.

Rumors of a "Girl" spinoff have been percolating for some time, in part because Alloy Entertainment's "Gossip Girl" book series -- from which the TV show was based -- already has a spinoff of its own, "The It Girl."

But sources say a televised "Gossip Girl" spinoff would not be "The It Girl," nor would it focus on the character of Jenny Humphrey (the character spun off from the "Gossip Girl" books for "The It Girl"), played on TV by Taylor Momsen.

The TV spinoff would nonetheless likely center on one of the show's nine regular characters -- although there's always a chance a new character could be planted in the backdoor pilot.

A "Gossip Girl" spinoff is still in the very early stages of development, and didn't seem likely earlier this year. However, the CW may have decided to move forward with one after all now that it's been forced to scrap "The Graysons," an origins tale revolving around Batman's sidekick, Robin.

"The Graysons" was set to serve as the tentpole of this year's CW development slate. With that project out of the picture, the CW has been hunting for another big-ticket title to prep for next season.

Warner Bros. TV is behind "Gossip Girl," which comes from exec producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, as well as Alloy.

No thanks.

The more teen serialized dramas the better. LOL I say why not, if it's interesting and if Gossip Girl doesn't lose any core characters.

Ashame it's not going to be "The It Girl" - that would've been a lot of fun to watch.. I loved that book series.

I wonder who should get their own show. Maybe Vanessa? You can't break up the core of Blair and Serena, as well as Chuck. Vanessa's the most distant of the original cast members, that could be a good idea.

well i hope its better than GG is.

Brittany Snow!!!! I hope the deal gets done.

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/02/scoop-brittany.html

Scoop: Brittany Snow to headline 'Gossip Girl' spin-off

Feb 26, 2009, 06:36 PM | by Michael Ausiello

Categories: Gossip Girl

You know what they say about great minds...

A week after I floated the idea of Brittany Snow playing a young Lily in The CW's forthcoming Gossip Girl spin-off, the former American Dreams ingénue has emerged as the front-runner for the role!

It's Emily VanCamp all over again!

According to sources, Snow is in advanced negotiations to headline the GG offshoot, which will be set in Los Angeles and chronicle the teen years of Kelly Rutherford's alter ego.

Snow joins a cast that includes Krysten Ritter (as Lily's older sis) and Jericho's Shilo Fernandez (as brooding valley punk).

The backdoor pilot will air May 11 as part of a regular Gossip Girl episode. The show is considered a lock to land on The CW's fall schedule.

In conclusion, I have this message for Snow's agent: At least half of that 10 percent commission is mine, mine, mine! (But I'll settle for a third.)

The cast keeps getting better! Love Cynthia Watros!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/03/gossip-girl-cra.html

'Gossip Girl' exclusive: 'Lost,' 'Veronica Mars' alums flash back

Mar 6, 2009, 02:22 PM | by Michael Ausiello

"Let's do the time warp again!" is becoming a familiar refrain for more and more actors, now that Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are filling out the cast for their '80s-set Gossip Girl prequel.

On the heels of Andrew McCarthy's hiring as the dad to Brittany Snow's Lily, my moles tell me exclusively that Lost alum Cynthia Watros is thisclose to a deal to play Lily's mom, CeCe. Also coming aboard, I hear, is Ryan Hansen, best known as Veronica Mars' aptly named Dick. He'll play Owen's (Shiloh Fernandez) pal, Shep, who's crushing (futilely) on Krysten Ritter's Carol.

Brit, Cynthia, & Andrew?

yes. I am so down for this show.

So who will be the showrunners?

So who will be the showrunners?

I assume it's going to be Stephanie Savage.

Good cast. I love Brittany! And bringing along Andrew McCarthy (means no more Lipstick Jungle? ), and Cynthia Watros.. Put this on my schedule for next year.

Andrew McCarthy, Ryan Hansen (gosh I miss Veronica Mars!!!) and Cynthia Watros are great choices. Krysten Ritter not so much.

I like the cast, but I don't see the point of making a spinoff of the show which is on the air for only 2 years...

I like the cast, but I don't see the point of making a spinoff of the show which is on the air for only 2 years...

I would agree, except that this is set in the 80's. and i love the concept. its really not a spin off.

CW didn't pick it up...no GG.. Thank God.. the pilot in the Gossip Girl episode was boring....