not the ggwriters

Gossip Girl: The CW doesn’t currently have any plans to continue the world of Gossip Girlwithout the original cast, according to Pedowitz. “I believe shows that have a loyal core audience deserve a proper send off for both the network and the fans…[It’s] what we did for One Tree Hill, so we’ll do it again here for Gossip Girl.” Right, but how will it end? Pedowitz teases a “big event” (ya don’t say! On Gossip Girl?), but wouldn’t give details. Hmph. Just ‘fess up it’s a Chuck and Blair wedding already! (Fingers crossed on behalf of all the rabid Chair fans out there.)

Gossip Girl, which is entering its final, 10-episode season, might wrap things up with a retrospective special à la One Tree Hill‘s own send-off. “I’m a big believer in retrospectives and a big believer in allowing the audience to say farewell to their shows,” the network boss said. “It’s important for us on this side of the fence to give a satisfactory ending.” Would the GG cast tape talking-head segments for any such special? “I hope so,” answered Pedowitz. “It would not be as good of a retrospective special [without them], would it?”

Fans know that Gossip Girl will return for its final season next year, but exactly how many episodes is still being debated, CW president Mark Pedowitz told reporters today after the network’s Upfront presentation in New York.

“I haven’t announced anything yet,” he says. “Our goal is to run it in the fall and end it in the fall. We will make a determination on how best to do that [later].” The episode order, which was previously reported as being 11, will depend greatly on the time frame needed, he added. “[The creators] have been great in terms of helping us determine.”

Pedowitz also said the farewell could also include a retrospective. “I’m a big believer that shows that have lasted a long time and shows that have have iconic roles on network should be give closure to the fans in a way that makes sense,” he said.

On the red carpet, executive producer Josh Schwartz seemed keen on the idea of a short final season order, saying, “It’s season 6. A lot of stories have been told. We celebrated our 100th episode this year and all you want is the opportunity to bring the show to a close in a way that’s satisfying for fans. Eleven episodes is the perfect amount, actually,” he said.

Meanwhile, fellow executive producer Stephanie Savage is most looking forward to wrapping up some of the show’s long-running storylines, like the Chuck and Blair saga. “The end of the finale was definitely an import moment for them and that’s something we’re going to build of of in season 6,” she said. “It’s definite bittersweet that the show is coming to an end but it’s also a very exciting storytelling opportunity to know that the choices we make are really going to matter to bring everything to fruition.”

It looks like “Gossip Girl” fans have two reasons to celebrate. The show is set to air its 100th episode on Monday (Jan. 30), and, according to producers, the series is all but certain to return for its sixth season.

“We’re not writing a series finale this year,” says EP Josh Safran.  

This issue of whether the show would be renewed was an item that was up for debate. Ratings for The CW drama have dropped in recent years. While its first season in 2007 averaged 2.35 million viewers, Monday’s (Jan. 23) episode drew just 1.6 million viewers and a 0.8 share in the coveted 18-49 demographic. 

But these dwindling viewership numbers appears to not be any deterrent for the network. Show EP Stephanie Savage explains those discussions.

“We’ve checked in with our bosses to make sure we’re not shooting ourselves in the foot,” Savage says. She adds that these discussions usually end with network execs saying “Seriously. You have to stop asking me if you should be writing the series finale.”

While the network wouldn’t confirm the news, The CW president Mark Pedowitz tells the Hollywood Reporter on Jan. 25, “We have great pride in [the show]. We hope that it lasts for a long, long time. Time will tell how things go.”

It looks like they’re going well.

Asked if Gossip Girl can live on beyond its current cast — namely burgeoning movie stars Blake Lively and Leighton Meester — Pedowitz said, “I’m a big believer in casts staying together. We hope they stay together as long as possible. When we have to cross that bridge… we’ll see [what happens].

— CW Boss Talks Supernatural’s Fate, Gossip Girl Cast Erosion, One Tree Hill Reprieve and More!

Could the new president of The CW, Mark Pedowitz, have just confirmed that?

In the TCA summer tour, Mr. Pedowitz was asked about the fate of some of the networks most prominent series, among them Gossip Girl. When asked if the series could live on beyond its current cast, Mr. Pedowitz’s reply was, “I’m a big believer in casts staying together. We hope they stay together as long as possible.”

The question was likely asked due to persistent (but mostly unfounded) rumors that cast members might want to leave the series at the first chance they get – some even speculating that members of the cast might want out before their contracts end. With two series cast members gone as of this season (Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szohr) and a new one added to the mix (Kaylee DeFer), fans have valid reasons to wonder if the network thinks the cast can be replaced.

But what about that sixth season? “When we have to cross that bridge… we’ll see [what happens].”

Not sure about what you guys think about it, but it sounds to me that he’s not questioning Gossip Girl being picked up for a sixth season – which is the length the cast is under contract for. Or maybe he is aware of the rumors? How would you feel about the show continuing without Blair or Serena? Would you be interested in a new generation of mini-Gossips, or are you out when the current cast is? #

(Source: gossipgirlsss.com)