CW launching ‘90210’ successor

The tiny CW network, trying not to get lost in a crowded media world, is banking on television viewers’ interest in even more spoiled, wealthy kids.

CW confirmed Tuesday that it’s launching “90210,” a successor to the ‘90s series “Beverly Hills 90210,” this fall, featuring two high schoolers from Kansas who move to California and enroll in West Beverly Hills High School.

Original cast member Jennie Garth, who resurfaced late last year as a “Dancing With the Stars” favorite, will appear occasionally as a guidance counselor.

Another new series, “Surviving the Filthy Rich,” is about a 23-year-old woman hired to tutor twin rich kids from Palm Springs.

The two new series, which will both air Tuesday nights, are reminiscent of the network’s most buzzed-about show, “Gossip Girl,” about privileged Manhattan prep schoolers.

Except for “Gossip Girl,” the CW has had trouble building new hits, and its prime-time average of 2.6 million viewers is down 19 percent from last year, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The CW is likely to be hurt again when its deal with World Wrestling Entertainment for “Friday Night Smackdown” expires in September.

The network will try two comedies on Friday, giving “Everybody Hates Chris” its third different night on the schedule in three years. “The Game” was also renewed, but not “Aliens in America” or “Life is Wild.”

“Reaper,” a supernatural comedy about a 20-something slacker pressed into service as the devil’s agent, will return for a 13-episode run in midseason. “Smallville” retires in January after eight seasons.

The new “Stylista” on Wednesday nights was described as a reality-show version of “The Devil Wears Prada.” Contestants will compete for a job with Elle magazine.

The network has turned over its Sunday lineup to an outside studio, which will confirm its plans later.

The CW’s emphasis on wealthy youngsters reminds Dawn Ostroff, the network’s entertainment president, of how “Dynasty” and “Dallas” were popular during a 1980s recession.

“People look at these shows as escapist television,” she said. “At a time when the nation is going through such financial uncertainty, we thought shows like this might really strike a chord.”

Next fall, the CW will try to jump-start its year by opening its season Sept. 1, about three weeks prior to its rivals.