The Scoop on Gossip Girl

January 3^rd, 2007- A day that will live in infamy. On that horrible day the Fox network announced the cancellation of the cult-hit "The O.C." Fans from all over the globe engaged in moments of silence and mental anguish as one of the most popular teenage dramas was soon to be gone forever from the annals of basic cable. Grief and anger ravaged the loyal fans, who questioned why such a monstrosity was possible. The blame was placed everywhere, on Fox, on rival television show "Grey's Anatomy," and even on the show's creator, Josh Schwartz.

How could the father of something so perfect leave his child behind? How could the creative genius behind something as perfect as the O.C. cast it aside and forget all that it had brought and accomplished for him. The show had made Schwartz a household name and a valuable commodity in Hollywood, and granting him job offers with salaries in the high six-figures. Forgiveness seemed impossible for Josh, until fans learned about a new show starting up on the fledgling C.W. network.

The C.W. came to Josh and asked him to convert the bestselling series of novels, Gossip Girl, into a teen soap opera. The creative gears of Josh's mind started turning, and soon enough a rough draft was created showcasing the teenage years in a way that put John Hughes to shame.

Casting began immediately, and talent scouts poured out from coast-to-coast searching high and low for someone with that "It Girl" look. Blake Lively, the tall and beautiful Bridget from "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" was cast as socialite Serena van der Woodsen, in a move that was almost as surprising as Lindsay Lohan going to rehab. The ensemble quickly grew in numbers, casting fresh-faced young talent to play the wealthy Upper-East side children of privilege that make up Gossip Girl.

The first episode premiered on iTunes, as a free download where it was immensely popular. The show continued on next week displaying the animosity between the social jewels of society, and the so-called paupers of Brooklyn. Despite the show's rave critical reviews it is unable to pull in a large audience, garnering only a meager three point share throughout the first four episodes, and never reaching the coveted four-million viewer threshold.

Despite the shortcomings it receives from the viewing audience, "Gossip Girl" may someday become a mainstream hit rivaling "90210" or "Dawson's." Until that day, should it ever come, it will remain as a steady hit on the iTunes store and a popular item on the Tivo's of many teenagers. And remember I'm nothing without you. Signing off, T.