Coming to The CW in 2010-2011: New Show Previews

The CW scored a big hit last fall with The Vampire Diaries and a minor one with Life Unexpected, which also earned a second season. Melrose Place failed, but two of of three? Not bad.

Along with TVD, mainstays Gossip Girl, 90210 and One Tree Hill anchor the network's fall schedule for 2010-11, leaving room for just two new shows, which we've previewed below.

The network may never be talked about in the same league as the big four (although NBC is fading fast), but with another Vampire Diaries or Gossip Girl, it would be a step closer.

Can either of its new shows achieve that level of success? See what you think ...

HELLCATS
What is it? A look at the crazy world of competitive college cheerleading, in which a pretty law school student loses her scholarship and is forced to join a southern university’s cheerleading squad, whose leader and members must adjust to this newfound presence.
Who stars in it? Ashley Tisdale of High School Musical fame, Aly Michalka of Aly and AJ fame, plus newcomers Ben Browder and Matt Barr. Interestingly, Barr played Dr. van der Woodsen on the ill-fated '80s Gossip Girl spinoff pilot episode in 2009.
When does it air? Wednesday at 9 p.m., after America's Next Top Model.
Prediction: The 'Cats will get a boost from ANTM, but it's hard to think of this as more than Bring It On meets High School Musical. Can it stand out in some unique way? Will its characters and stories be engaging enough? Check out a preview HERE!

NIKITA
What is it? An update of the movie La Femme Nikita, and the '90s USA Network series of the same name. It focuses on a rogue assassin on the run from the government.
Who stars in it? Martial arts guru Maggie Q as the titular character, with Lyndsy Fonseca, Aaron Stanford, Shane West and the awesome, cougar-tastic Melinda Clarke.
When does it air? Thursday at 9 p.m., after The Vampire Diaries.
Prediction: The stronger bet of the two, especially with the assistance of The Vampire Diaries and its audience at the 8 p.m. hour. Even though it's a remake, it feels fresher and more intriguing than Hellcats, and least right now. Watch a preview of it HERE!

Think you might watch either, neither, or both? Tell us why by leaving a comment below - and follow this link for our preview of new ABC shows from earlier today.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.