Rebecca Rand Kirshner

This Just In: The CW Picks Up ’90210,’ Adds ’Gilmore’ Vet!

As I was perusing The CW’s just-released press release announcing the full-season pickup of 90210, I noticed the most peculiar thing: Those crazy kids buried their lead!

In the final sentence of the bulletin, the network quietly mentions that veteran Gilmore Girls scribe Rebecca Kirshner is joining the series as an executive producer.

And it gets better.

After I did some digging, a 90210 source confirms to me exclusively that Amy Sherman-Palladino’s longtime collaborator will not just be sitting in the show’s writers room, she’ll be running it. (And yes, contrary to speculation, the show does have one of those.) Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah, meanwhile, will continue to serve as show’s day-to-day showrunners.

In announcing the 90210 pickup, CW prez Dawn Ostroff says, "The successful addition of 90210 has taken The CW another step forward in building a cohesive schedule that defines this network as a destination for young women with shows that get our audience talking — and watching. We’re very excited about the chance to watch this ensemble of newcomers and familiar faces coalesce and grow together as we move forward."

Exactly how many familiar faces will be sticking around 90210 remains an open question. As I reported over the weekend, Jennie Garth is denying that she has agreed to stick around beyond her initial six-episode stint. "Nothing’s confirmed at this point," she told me. "It’s still totally up in the air." (That noise you hear is Dawn Ostroff telling her assistant to get Tori Spelling’s reps on the phone.)

Is the infusion of some Gilmore blood the best thing to happen to 90210 since Shannen and Jennie agreed to bury the hatchet? I say, "Damn straight, it is!" But what do you say? Comment away!