[Immortal_Angel]

The CW has officially picked up the updated version of Melrose Place, the campy 1990s series revolving around a group of twentysomethings who live in a swanky L.A. apartment complex. The new version adheres to the same premise, but with a murder-mystery twist introduced in the pilot.

While the original series included an openly gay male character, this one includes a bisexual woman: Stylish publicist Ella, played by Katie Cassidy (Taken, Harper’s Island), who is in a casual relationship with fellow apartment-dweller David (Shaun Sipos).

Ella’s bisexuality will reportedly be revealed in the pilot via a kiss at a club. The casting call for the pilot included an “early 20’s, gorgeous, exotic model type who catches ‘Ella’s’ (Katie Cassidy) eye in a club and they share a passionate same sex kiss.”

EW.com describes Ella as “[David's] omnisexual sometime lover, a PR whiz whose tongue is as sharp as her stilettos.”

Cassidy touched on her character’s sexuality in an early April interview with E!:

Cassidy: [Ella's] really funny…it’s going to be fun to play her…she’s unsure of her sexual preference —
E!: Are you saying she might play for more than one team?
Cassidy: Possibly.

Whether Ella will actually date women, not just hook up with them in clubs, remains to be seen. (Cassidy’s interview with E! took place during filming of the pilot, and Cassidy most likely would not have been aware of the writer’s future plans for her character.)

The CW will officially unveil the new Melrose Place at their upfront presentation on Thursday; staffing on the series began this weekend, and it’s expected to debut in the fall.


CAST:
Katie Cassidy as Ella Simms
Colin Egglesfield as Auggie Kirkpatrick
Stephanie Jacobsen as Lauren Yung
Jessica Lucas as Riley Richmond
Michael Rady as Jonah Miller
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz as Violet Foster
Shaun Sipos as David Breck

Recurring Cast:
Thomas Calabro as Dr. Michael Mancini (Special Guest Star)
Laura Leighton as Sydney Andrews (Special Guest Star)
Aurelia Scheppers as Ruby (Recurring)

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcgzf8KtLzY

[xosandy]

First 90210, now Melrose Place? What's up with recycling old 90's shows? =X

[aznchic209]

WOW, I didn't know that they were doing a new updated version of MELROSE PLACE! When I heard that "Melrose Place" had a spot on the CW this fall, I automatically thought that they were bringing the old show back as "reruns." Who was I kidding??? I might watch this just because I'm a sucker for these type of shows.

[Snowbunni3z]

OMG i love Kate Cassidy! I was sooo sad when they replaced her on supernatural haha with this other girl that annoyed the living crap out of me :]

[-ohdarn-]

I was never a big fan of the original Melrose Place. I wonder if this one will be any better... HMMM...

[Miro25]

Starts. So. Soon!!! Next Tues Sept. 8! I really want to see Ashlee Simpson-Wentz in a starring role!

Anyone else been hearing details about Ashlee's characters??? Apparently she plays like this naive newcomer....can't wait to see her!!

[termination_override]

I was like.. *squints at the poster* Isn't that Ruby from Supernatural? the original awesome one. and then I see 'Katie Cassidy' and YAYY, definitely going to check this remake out xD

[CM_X_69]

I'm probably going to check it out because of Katie Cassidy. I freaking love her. xD

[DRELLA.]

Katie Cassidy . I love this woman . Probably gonna check this out . Although I was never really a fan of the original version . But we'll see (;

[LaBelle]

OMG i love Kate Cassidy! I was sooo sad when they replaced her on supernatural haha with this other girl that annoyed the living crap out of me :]

oh me too i'm lke WTH when they replaced katie on supernatural

anyway this is weeeiiirrrddd both 90210 and MP supposedly still "related" with the Original one right
ok i forgot and could be wrong but WTH Rob Estes doing on 90210 playing different character rofl
he supposed to be part of MP right?

anyway im gonna give this a try like i did with 90210

[Miro25]

oh me too i'm lke WTH when they replaced katie on supernatural

anyway this is weeeiiirrrddd both 90210 and MP supposedly still "related" with the Original one right
ok i forgot and could be wrong but WTH Rob Estes doing on 90210 playing different character rofl
he supposed to be part of MP right?

anyway im gonna give this a try like i did with 90210

So far I think only the following characters are confirmed to be returning - Laura Leighton (Sydney), Josie Bissett (Jane), Thomas Calabro (Michael) and Daphne Zuniga (Jo)! Although you never know what could happen as the season goes on....

I totally second the Katie Cassidy love - she was awesome on Harper�s Island! I love her red dress in this promo picture. Can't wait for tonight - like counting the minutes at this point!

[LaBelle]

^
WOW that looks HAWT lol
the promotion ad looks more interesting than 90210

KATIE SO HOT Whoa

they still use the same setting? oooh

[TOKYOFEVER]

Hahah I never saw the posters. I enjoy how risque CW is with their ads! =-)

Btw, FREAKING FANTASTIC SHOW<3 I thought I'd tune in for a moment, and I was immediately drawn in to the characters - I could really relate to some of their struggles.

Katie Cassidy = LOVEEE. (I also noticed the Supernatural switch, annoyed the heck outta me too. LOL) I was also surprised to see Kayleigh's mom (for those who watched Make It or Break It) and Ashlee played a cute, yet slightly conniving role. HAHA<3

Definitely a must-watch, unlike the mind-numbing, high school based 90210.

[xquisitebabyy_]

Wow, they keep re-doing old tv shows! Can't complain, they're classics Maybe they'll do a Saved by The Bell remake too.

[Miro25]

^
WOW that looks HAWT lol
the promotion ad looks more interesting than 90210

KATIE SO HOT Whoa

they still use the same setting? oooh

Yup same building - Sydney (the land lord in the first episode) was from the original series. I thought they set up really interesting characters too! Like Lauren and having to pay for med school - that is such a tough situation. And Ella covering for David - that might not end up so well, you know? I can't wait for next week.

[ANJEE<3]

love katie's character!
saw the pilot.. looks pretty decent

ashley can not act =\

[wowastyle]

i love this show! i was a little worried, thinking it may have been hyped up too much, but I love it. =) i got interested in this show bc of ASW (huge fan) and now, I'm really interested in Lauren's story... =)

[babiloveyoo]

Hmm sounds interesting maybe I'll watch it.

[Immortal_Angel]

'Melrose Place' makes disappointing debut

The CW's Melrose Place made a disappointing debut on Tuesday night, according to the latest figures.

The first episode of the reboot, which aired during the 9pm hour, pulled in 2.27m and came last during the timeslot. A rerun of America's Got Talent came top during the hour, pulling in 11.7m for NBC.

Also at 9pm, Big Brother 11 logged 8.13m for CBS, 4.36m tuned in for Fox's More To Love, and Shaq Vs. managed 3.85m for ABC.

CBS's NCIS rerun led the 8pm hour, bringing in 10.7m. Its nearest rival, Fox's Hell's Kitchen, had 7.61m.

An earlier rerun of America's Got Talent took 6.8m for NBC, ABC's Shark Tank interested 3.4m and 2.56m tuned in for the season two premiere of 90210 on The CW.

At 10pm, ABC's Primetime: Family Secrets drew 5.71m, beaten by a rerun of The Mentalist, which had 6.38m for CBS.


Digital Spy


I wonder if this show will get any better in the middle part? I watch the first episode and so far I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with the pilot. I only love Kate role she's awesome!

[chungmah.]

It was okay to me. I'll still watch the show despite the fact that everyone finds it boring.
I love Katie Cassidy and her roommate, Lauren.

Is Katie a natural blonde? I actually prefer her as a brunette (Harper's Island)