CW will develop 'Melrose Place' next

Based on the ratings success of the rebooted "90210," the CW network is developing a redo of "Melrose Place" for the 2009-10 season.

Last year, Creative Artists Agency, which manages the late producer Aaron Spelling's estate, originally approached the CW with the idea of developing either "90210" or "Melrose Place" for the then-struggling network. Because the CW's target audience is 18- to 34 year-old women, the network (along with CBS Paramount, the studio) opted for a new "90210," as The Times' Maria Elena Fernandez reported over the summer.

As we now know, "90210" attracted intense interest from nostalgic fans, who were particularly concerned with what actors from Fox's "Beverly Hills, 90210" might return. So far, Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty and Joe E. Tata have reprised their old roles.

Expect the same hysteria to surround a new "Melrose," the '90s phenomenon that starred Heather Locklear, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Josie Bissett and Marcia Cross.

The "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff was launched in 1992, with Grant Show's character, Jake, bridging the gap between the two shows. At first, its creator, Darren Star, wanted the show about twentysomething neighbors in a Los Angeles apartment complex to be a realistic portrayal of struggling Angelenos. But when audiences weren't enthusiastic about that, Locklear entered the show, and it became a full-blown nighttime soap, with evil plots, wig-wearing villains and backstabbing siblings.

With the character of Matt, as played by Doug Savant, "Melrose" also had one of the first unapologetically gay characters on a prime-time drama. (Matt's same-sex kiss in the Season 2 finale was, however, famously censored.)

Savant is busy on "Desperate Housewives," as is Cross. Kristin Davis has moved on to the "Sex and the City" franchise. Locklear is having troubles, but would surely be welcomed back by fans.

Who would you most want to see on a new version of "Melrose"?

— Kate Aurthur

Comments

[Sean]

This is the best news ever. Heather Locklear and Thomas Calabro need to come back. They were the best characters. I hope th CW uses more of the original cast, and only a few new characters.

[Matt]

I hope I'm not alone in rooting for Johnny Drama from "Entourage" to make an appearance. Sure, he was never really on the original show, but a crossover would probably cause some interest from the 20- and 30-something guys who make up Entourage's audience.

Who am I kidding? It wouldn't convince me to watch Melrose again. Still.....it would be cool...

[katie]

I think Andrew Shue should come back as billy. He was the best character, and I think it would be great! Also, heather Locklear because she was what made the show a big hit. I am so happy about the news!!!!!!!

[Ted]

Without a doubt, Jack Wagner is the man! He was great as Peter and the only real male lead who could ever hold his own with Amanda (Heather Locklear). Wagner and Locklear's real-life romance/engagement only add to the audience appeal of bringing these two Gen X stars back to the share the screen. Make it happen CW !

[cw12]

OK- let's see. Doug Savant's (Matt), Marcia Cross' (Kimberly) and Kristin Davis' (Brooke) characters on Melrose Place are dead, so you won't be seeing them returning. Also, Doug Savant's wife, Laura Leighton's character (Sydney) is also dead.

Characters eligible to come back:
Michael (Thomas Calabro)
Amanda (Heather Locklear)
Peter (Jack Wagner)
Kyle (Rob Estes) - but he's doing 90210 now,
Jake (Grant Show)
Allison (Courtney Thorne-Smith)
Billy (Andrew Shue)
Jane (Josie Bissett)
Megan (Kelly Rutherford) - but she's doing Gossip Girl now
Jo (Daphne Zuniga)
Lexi (Jamie Luner)
Taylor (Lisa Rinna)

and few others.

[Alma]

Thomas Calabro definitely and Jamie Luner,and Sydney,she can come from dead,like they fake her death,or some thing like it.

[Adriaan]

I am soooooooooo glad they remake MP. I agree that they should not bring back caracters that died and less new faces. Lexi now owns the building... what will Amanda then do? She left the country with Peter because she killed that guy. They have to follow it up from MP's last season - I was a huge MP fan. I have to say that the writers should be good - dont want to be dissapointed. I hope they use the same building as well.. same hospital...everything. Michael's beach house.

It's a pity Sydney died. Loved her. I hope to see Jane, Michael, Lexi, Amanda, Taylor, Alison, Billy and JO. Just to re-live my MP days.