A recent report indicating that some of The CW's current shows may not be getting a renewal (via Screen Rant) has prompted TV fans to look back at some of the network's past shows, many of which have been forgotten in the ever-expanding television landscape. The CW has come a long way since it was home to shows like Gilmore Girls and Smallville. Although the network has still kept its audience with a plethora of different content, fans will always fondly remember The CW back then.
There have been plenty of instances where shows with lots of potential didn't get the renewal they deserved. These shows might have been short-lived, but they had promise - even if it's now been forgotten by fans.
Hellcats (2010)
The CW's Hellcats starred Disney Channel alums, Ashley Tisdale and Aly Michalka. It followed the lives of competitive college cheerleaders but lasted just one season.
While Hellcats had the perfect mix of deceit, scandal, and romance, it wasn't enough to keep viewers interested and it failed to leave its mark, particularly when The CW phenomenon The Vampire Diaries was taking off around the same time. While some fans were disappointed the show didn't return for season 2, it didn't have any lasting impactful moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Privileged (2008)
Privileged was another comedy-drama show about 23-year-old Megan Smith as she begins to tutor two rich daughters. The job becomes difficult for Megan as she struggles to bond with both spoiled sisters. Fans might recognize one of the sisters as Pretty Little Liars' Aria Montogomery, but Privileged is far from one of Lucy Hale's best roles.
This series had the potential to keep fans hooked with the inevitable moment that Megan finally wins over the girls. The concept was sweet and heartfelt, if not entirely unique, and ultimately the show didn't last long enough to create any truly memorable moments.
Star-Crossed (2014)
Star-Crossed was another short-lived CW show with a lot of initial buzz. With the core concept being aliens living among humans but also exploring a potential love story and the cliché "chosen one" narrative, Star-Crossed has sadly joined the list of forgotten sci-fi shows.
The show only lasted one season. It's a shame, as the conflict of what it would be like to have aliens and humans co-exist on earth could have been progressed into interesting storylines with intriguing characters.
Life Unexpected (2010-2011)
15-year-old Lux decides to try to be emancipated after being in the foster care system her whole life, but she then comes across her birth parents. Her mother and father decide to raise her despite their current carefree lives.
With an interesting female lead who had a mind of her own and constantly surprised those around it, it's a shame that Life Unexpected only had two seasons. The show had a lot of heart and truly embodied The CW's signature tone seen in series like Gilmore Girls.
The L.A. Complex (2012)
The L.A. Complex starred Degrassi's Cassie Steele, but it failed to leave behind the kind of legacy as the beloved teen show. This drama centered around a group of aspiring actors living in an apartment complex. They each have their own struggles and desires to make it big in Hollywood.
The show had enough drama and intrigue to have the success of The CW's biggest shows and actually garnered positive reviews from critics, but ultimately viewer numbers were low, leading to its cancellation (per The Hollywood Reporter).
Melrose Place (2009-2010)
This reboot of the original Melrose Place also follows the lives of a group of 20-somethings living in the same apartment complex. Like the original, the show features some similar dark and heavy storylines.
While the original Melrose Place has episodes that are still beloved today, the reboot failed to live up to its legacy with mixed reviews from critics and low viewing figures. The show was canceled after just one season and is perhaps best forgotten.
The Secret Circle (2011-2012)
The Secret Circle was another teen drama that didn't get to live up to its potential. The series is centered around a teenage girl named Cassie who moves to a new town and quickly learns that she is a powerful witch. This show arguably should have been a hit for fans of supernatural shows, particularly as it was based on books by L.J Smith, who found success thanks to The CW's adaptation of her work The Vampire Diaries.
Because of its connection to TVD, it shared a lot of similarities that may have seemed like a surefire recipe for success for the network. However, ratings dropped in the second half of the first season and, despite a fan campaign to reverse the decision, the show was subsequently canceled.
Ringer (2011-2012)
Recovering from addiction, Bridget reunites with her glamorous twin sister, Siobhan. After they spend time catching up, Siobhan disappears and it is revealed that she took her own life. Bridget decides to live life as her twin and keep the secret of Siobhan's death to herself, but Bridget's plan takes twists and turns when she realizes she didn't know her sister as well as she thought.
As a thriller series, Ringer had enough mystery to hook viewers in but critics were divided, and it ultimately only lasted one season. Ringer may have been hindered by its outlandish concept, but Sarah Michelle Geller's performance as the twins was praised.
The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)
The Carrie Diaries was a prequel to Sex And The City, following the glamorous Carrie Bradshaw in her younger years working as a fashion intern. As viewers would expect, Carrie struggles with her passions, high school, and her love life.
It was controversial among fans of SATC due to inconsistencies in The Carrie Diaries. The show lasted two seasons, but even featuring a character as iconic as Carrie wasn't enough to help the show achieve longevity.
90210 (2008-2013)
90210 was a reboot of the original Beverly Hill, 90210. However, after the first season, the show decided to go on its own path and steer away from the callbacks.
The show was successful enough to have 5 seasons, but many fans might have forgotten all about it, particularly as it was outshined by The CW's own Gossip Girl. The characters were all interesting enough to care about, but the series wasn't as memorable as the original.