Crossovers, returns, sneak peeks and more as The CW gears up for the new primetime season!

CW News: ‘One Tree Hill’/'Life Unexpected’ Crossover Planned; ‘Smallville’ Returns; Premiere Dates

“One Tree Hill” fans should get used to watching the series on a new night. The CW has moved the long running series to Tuesday nights, pairing it with sophomore series “Life Unexpected.” As OTH begins its eighth season, look for the series to pick up with the fallout from last season’s jaw dropping cliff hanger!

“One Tree Hill” and “Life Unexpected” will crossover this October when OTH characters Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) and Mia (Kate Voegele) guest star on the October 12th episode of “Life Unexpected.” “Haley and Cate are surprised to learn that they share a similar back story as mothers,” teased an insider to Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello. The CW is hoping the crossover will generate a bigger audience for Life Unexpected, which will make its second season debut on Tuesday, September 14.

In addition to Bethany Joy Galeotti, returning stars include James Lafferty (Nathan), Sophia Bush (Brooke), Robert Buckley (Clay), Shantel VanSanten (Quinn), Austin Nicholas (Julian) and Jackson Brundage (Jamie).

If you can’t wait for the second season premiere of “The Vampire Diaries” you’re not alone. Executive producer Kevin Williamson told TV Guide Magazine, “The premiere is all about introducing Katherine (Nina Dobrev). She’s a badass who stirs things up, and the trio will immediately have to deal with her and what she has come back for!”
Co-executive producer Julie Plec previewed that this season will address the secret that Tyler (hottie Michael Travino) is desperate to find out.

This season is looking to be one of shifting alliances, betrayal, scandal and secrets! It’s certainly “TV to talk about.”
The season premiere of “The Vampire Diaries” airs Thursday, September 9.

Look for Lois Lane’s family to make another visit to Smallville! Michael Ironside (“Terminator: Salvation”) and Peyton List (“As the World Turns”) will return as General Sam Lane & Lucy Lane in October. Ironside and List last appeared during Season 4.

James Marsters will appear as Brianiac 5, a version of Brainiac from the future. Marsters previously played Brianiac/Milton. Laura Vandervoort (“V”) is set to reprise her role as Kara (aka Supergirl). Vandervoort was a series regular in season seven and made an appearance in season eight.

Keeping up with the returns for “Smallville’s” final season is Clark’s father Jonathan. That’s right, former “Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider is returning as Jonathan Kent. Jonathan was killed off in Season 5, but has made sporadic appearances (mainly through flashbacks). Is Jonathan really back this time? He is for at least three episodes….

CW Entertainment President Dawn Ostroff confirmed reports that The CW is looking into bringing other comic book series to the network. “We have started to talk about if there are other DC comic book adaptations,” Ostroff said to Digital Spy during the TCA press tour. “We haven’t picked anything else up to develop yet, but we would like to see something on the air, so we’re going to work on it.”
“Smallville’s” season premiere will air September 24.

THE CW PREMIERE DATES & PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

As The CW will launch its fifth season slate of shows with ten hours of original programming including two new series.

Wednesday, September 8
8:00-9:00 p.m. – America’s Next Top Model | 9:00-10:00 p.m. – Hellcats (new series)

Thursday, September 9
8:00-9:00 p.m. – The Vampire Diaries | 9:00-10:00 p.m. – Nikita (new series)

Monday, September 13
8:00-9:00 p.m. – 90210 | 9:00-10:00 p.m. – Gossip Girl

Tuesday, September 14
8:00-9:00 p.m. – One Tree Hill | 9:00-10:00 p.m. – Life Unexpected

Friday, September 24
8:00-9:00 p.m. – Smallville | 9:00-10:00 p.m. – Supernatural

Follow TVSource Magazine on Twitter at @TVSource | Facebook Fan Page