The CW unveiled its new 2013-2014 programming May 16 in New York, and it’s packed with all the sexiness you’d expect from the network that brought us The Vampire Diaries: We’ve got sexy aliens, sexy vampires, sexy super-humans — and even one sexy, bad-ass queen!

‘The Originals,’ Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

We’ve already seen the pilot for The Originals – it aired as the April 25 episode of The Vampire Diaries – but the spin-off still has plenty of surprises up its undead sleeve. Along with Klaus’ (Joseph Morgan) struggle to regain control of New Orleans from his former protegé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), we’ll also see the original Original come to terms with the idea of being a dad, thanks to a super-pregnant Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin).

‘Star-Crossed,’ coming midseason

Only in the fictional world of Star-Crossed would a guy like Matt Lanter be shunned by the masses — even if he was an alien. Set far in the future, Matt’s romantic sci-fi series follows one community as it attempts to integrate extraterrestrials into the rest of civilization, with sexy results! I’m talking, of course, about Matt’s character Roman’s forbidden romance with human-girl Emergy (Aimee Teegarden), which is sure to make sparks fly. And stars cross. Duh.

‘Reign,’ Thursdays at 9 p.m.

One of the few new CW shows with no supernatural connection, Reign still gives viewers something different by taking them back in time — like, way back in time. Adelaide Kane stars as Mary Stuart, who will eventually be known as Mary Queen of Scots, but it’s not exactly the story you learned in school. Reign follows Mary’s rise to the crown; her courtship with Prince Francis (Toby Regbo), who proves that smolder-y CW dudes totally existed in the 16th century; and even the enemies secretly plotting to end her life.

‘The Tomorrow People,’ Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

Ever wondered what X-Men would look like on The CW? Well, wonder no more! The Tomorrow People follows a group of supernaturally gifted, and supernaturally sexy, young people — led by Robbie Amell, genetically perfect cousin of Arrow star Stephen Amell – as they come to terms with their new powers, and face off against an organization of evil scientists intent on seeing them dead.

‘The 100′

What’s the only thing worse than being stuck in outer space? How about being one of 100 humans forced to return to a post-apocalyptic earth! That’s what the stars of The 100 – which includes Grey’s Anatomy veteran Isaiah Washington – will have to face, along with about a million other daily horrors. Sounds like fun!

HollywoodLifers, which new CW series will you be adding to your DVR? Vote for your favorite new drama below!

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

It’s been quite a week for The Vampire Diaries. Less than 24 hours after The CW drama aired the backdoor pilot for its potential spin-off, The Originals was officially picked up to series. And while I’m positively giddy about getting a double dose of vampire goodness every week next season, a large chunk of the fandom remains unconvinced. Allow me to serve up five reasons why everyone should be thrilled about Klaus’ (Joseph Morgan) future in the Big Easy.

1. Klaus & Joseph Morgan Have Endless Potential

When the dreaded “Klaus” was first name-dropped back in season two, I never could have predicted the seemingly one-dimensional über villain would grow to become someone I cared about. But boy did I misjudge him. The perfect storm of Julie Plec‘s writing and Joseph Morgan’s acting have resulted in an iconic character with more heart and depth than arguably anyone else in the TVD universe. I honestly believe we’ve barely scratched the surface with him, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us.

2. Klaus & Hayley’s Baby Will Be Crazy Adorable

Through the magic of science — and by “science,” I mean MorphThing.com — I’ve gotten a glimpse of what Klaus and Hayley’s offspring will look like, regardless of whether it turns out to be a boy or a girl. Those chubby cheeks… Those gentle curls… Klaus and Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) may not be excited for parenthood, but their kid is going to make the Gerber Baby look like a half-baked monster.

3. Three Words: Charles. Michael. Davis.

“How You Like Me Now” was the perfect karaoke song with which to introduce Marcel to viewers. Because, you know what? I like him very much now, and so does everyone else. The minute Charles Michael Davis appeared on screen during “The Originals,” the Twitterverse erupted into a chorus of “OMG”s and multiple variations of “I want him to be my husband”s.

4. Elijah & Klaus’ Bromance

Similarly to The Vampire Diaries, much of The Originals‘ heart will stem from the relationship between two brothers at odds — only we’re not talking about the petty romantic squabbles that Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) face on a weekly basis. Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Klaus must find a way to not only rebuild their shattered family, but to reclaim a lost kingdom. The backdoor pilot established Elijah as the yin to Klaus’ yang, so here’s hoping that combination will remain united for many seasons to come.

5. Caroline’s Love Life Will Finally Be At Peace

You know the old saying “If you love someone, you have to set them free?” That’s basically where Klaus and Caroline (Candice Accola) are right now. Even the most die-hard ‘Klaroline’ fans need to accept that our girl’s life is in shambles right now, and she needs stability. With Klaus heading off to New Orleans, Tyler (Michael Trevino) can return to town and help the former Miss Mystic Falls pick herself up.

Still unconvinced? Try browsing these points again in photo form, then cast your vote below: Will you make time in your schedule for The Originals next season?

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Originals’ Scoop:

1. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Daniel Gillies Previews ‘The Beginning Of A War’
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Video: Elijah Tracks Down Klaus’ Enemies In New Orleans
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Klaus Makes Enemies On ‘Originals’ Backdoor Pilot

I hope you liked what you saw on the April 25 episode of The Vampire Diaries, because The CW has officially picked up The Originals as an independent series! The network made the announcement April 26, despite unimpressive ratings for the backdoor pilot.

Along with the announcement, CW President Mark Pedowtiz had this to say:

As soon as we saw last night’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, we knew we wanted more of The Originals – Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson have done a fantastic job with The Vampire Diaries, which is as fast-paced and well-written as ever, and Julie has created an equally compelling world for The Originals.

Which Other CW Series Were Renewed?

The CW also renewed Hart of Dixie for a third season and Beauty & The Beast for a second. Sadly, there’s no word yet on the futures of Nikita or The Carrie Diaries — yet.

The Vampire Diaries, Arrow and Supernatural have already been renewed for additional seasons.

HollywoodLifers, are you excited for The Originals? Drop a comment below with your thoughts on last night’s episode and the series’ future!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Originals’ Scoop:

1. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Daniel Gillies Previews ‘The Beginning Of A War’
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Video: Elijah Tracks Down Klaus’ Enemies In New Orleans
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Klaus Makes Enemies On ‘Originals’ Backdoor Pilot

The April 25 episode of The Vampire Diaries will find Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and Elijah (Daniel Gillies) temporarily relocating to New Orleans, setting the stage for what will likely become a spin-off series on The CW next season. But before the hour is over, Daniel tells HollywoodLife.com, you’ll see the Mikaelsons come together like never before — just in time for “the beginning of a war.”

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Daniel tells me of the backdoor pilot. “It’s an amazing episode of television, it’s just monumental. Joseph and I worked very hard on [the brothers'] relationship, to bring as much history and depth and tragedy to them as we could. They’re cursed to walk this earth together, and now they’re searching for a clean slate. The tabula rasa. The new dawn.”

As for that whole “war” thing I mentioned earlier, Daniel says “The Originals” will feel like “Game of Thrones-meets-The Vampire Diaries,” as Klaus attempts to reclaim his former glory.

“There’s an established hierarchy that’s been [in New Orleans] for over a century in the absence of Klaus,” Daniel explains. “You’ll see Klaus’ desire to resurrect his kingdom, and Elijah’s desire to see to it that that happens. Elijah is kind of the General McArthur.”

Why Elijah Follows Klaus To New Orleans

The CW’s official description for the episode reveals that Elijah is “determined to help his brother find redemption,” but Daniel says there’s a far deeper motive behind Eli’s trip to the Big Easy.

“For Elijah, this opportunity is too big to overlook,” Daniel explains. “He’s like, ‘What are we doing in this small town?’ He even says to Klaus in the pilot, ‘What are you going to do? Do you want to return to Mystic Falls as the feared one?’ I think Elijah is excited by this more than anyone, because the unity of his family is paramount. The idea of turning over a new leaf is beyond exciting for him.”

In fact, Daniel says some of his favorite moments in the pilot are between himself and Joseph.

The Future Of ‘The Originals’ On The CW

One of the biggest perks of filming “The Originals” was getting to shoot on-location in New Orleans.

“That place vibrates with history,” he says. “It has a beautiful, haunted wealth of spirit. It’s one of the most mystical places on earth. The music there is unparalleled, the food is to die for.

That being said, Daniel is glad that production will likely move to Atlanta — aside from filming exterior shots in New Orleans — if The Originals is picked up to series.

“If I lived in New Orleans, it’s so decadent, I would die,” Daniel admits. “First of all, I’d be 500 pounds by the end of the first season. And second of all, it’s just too-damn fun. It’s always this jubilant party.

WATCH: Elijah Tracks Down Klaus’ Enemies In New Orleans

HollywoodLifers, what do you hope to see on ‘The Originals’? Are you keeping your fingers crossed for the pilot to be picked up to series? Drop a comment below with your predictions!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Originals’ Scoop On HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Video: Elijah Tracks Down Klaus’ Enemies In New Orleans
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Klaus Makes Enemies On ‘Originals’ Backdoor Pilot
3. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Claire Holt Joins The ‘Vampire Diaries’ Spin-Off

Mark your calendars: We’re officially three weeks away from the episode of The Vampire Diaries that also serves as the backdoor pilot for The Originals, the purposed spin-off that follows Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and his siblings to New Orleans’ French Quarter. The CW just released the official description for the episode, revealing information about the new characters we’ll meet down south.

Let’s start with Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), a “charismatic vampire” who also happens to be Klaus’ former protégé. We learned a little bit about Marcel when Charles was first cast in the role, but now we know that he has “total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of New Orleans.”

So, basically, the protégé has become the master.

But why does Klaus go there in the first place? According to the episode’s description, Klaus receives a “mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in New Orleans … [so he] makes a trip to the town he and his family helped build.”

More Spoilers From ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 4, Episode 20

1. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) “continue with their plan” for Elena (Nina Dobrev) back in Mystic Falls.

2. Elijah (Daniel Gillies) follows Klaus down to the French Quarter, “determined to help his brother find redemption.”

3. Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), who traveled to the French Quarter “searching for clues to her family history,” is discovered to be in the clutches of a “powerful witch” named Sophie (Daniella Pineda).

4. Katherine “reveals a surprising vulnerability” to Rebekah (Claire Holt). She also asks the lady Original “to deliver a message.”

HollywoodLifers, what do you make of these new spoilers? What could Katherine’s ‘vulnerability’ be? And what ‘plan’ do Stefan and Damon have for Elena? Drop a comment with your theories!

Watch: Vampire Diaries Recap: Who Should Get The Cure?

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Vampire Diaries’ On HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Good Wife’ Star Christine Baranski Writes ‘Vampire Diaries’ Fan Fiction?
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Recap: The Cure Is Found — But Who Gets To Drink It?
3. Nina Dobrev & Ian Somerhalder Send Message To Sick ‘Vampire Diaries’ Fan

I’ve got some good news for Claire Holt — and some very bad news for fans of Rebekah’s re-budding relationship with Stefan (Paul Wesley) on The Vampire Diaries: The Australian actress has officially joined the cast of The CW’s purposed TVD spin-off, The Originals!

Rebekah joining The Originals makes a lot of sense — she is, after all, an Original — but it also means her tenure on The Vampire Diaries has a definite expiration date.

Interestingly enough, Deadline notes that Claire was originally supposed to co-star in the spin-off, but “talks hit a snag,” so Phoebe Tonkin joined instead. Does this mean there’s a chance Phoebe’s character, Hayley, won’t be sticking around, after all?

Who Else Is Going To Be On ‘The Originals’?

So many people!

Along with Joseph Morgan and Daniel Gillies, who are both reprising their roles as Rebekah’s brothers, The Originals has a slew of new and terrifying characters for fans to fall in love with.

Let’s start with Klaus’ former protegé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), who is described as being “wicked, wild and charismatic.” No wonder he’s Klaus’ protegé! He was once “kicked around,” but now “calls the shots” in New Orleans — though that’s likely to change once Klaus returns to his old stomping grounds.

Then there’s the latest new addition, Camille (Leah Pipes), a college student who’s “unaware of the supernatural universe that exists around her.” Methinks it won’t take long for Camille to become aware — likely too aware — of the vampires lurking right under her nose.

Are you glad Rebekah is joining her family on The Originals, or would you rather she stay in Mystic Falls with Stefan? Drop me a comment with your reaction to this big news!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

Deadline

More Originals scoop on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Leah Pipes Joins ‘Vampire Diaries’ Spin-Off
2. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Charles Michael Davis Cast As Klaus’ Protege Marcel
3. Daniel Gillies Joining ‘Vampire Diaries’ Spin-Off ‘The Originals’

The Originals is getting its first taste of human blood! Leah Pipes has been cast in the back-door pilot of The Vampire Diaries‘ spin-off as Camille, described by The Hollywood Reporter as “a college psychology student fascinated by the study of human behavior unaware of the supernatural universe that exists around her.”

Of course, if she’s anything like Elena (Nina Dobrev), it won’t take long for her to figure out her supernatural surroundings!

Though there’s already a ton of hype surrounding The Originals, it hasn’t officially been picked up for The CW’s 2013-2014 season. It will air as a back-door pilot April 25, when fans will get their first bite — so to speak — of what’s to come.

Joseph Morgan will star in the potential spin-off as the original Original Klaus, who returns to New Orleans to raise a little hell. (Well, a little more hell.) It was recently announced that The Game actor Charles Michael Davis will play Marcel, Klaus’ former protegé, who is described as “wicked, wild and charismatic.”

Daniel Gillies will also be reprising his Vampire Diaries character Elijah, and will be forced to align himself with Marcel’s enemies in order to help Klaus “find redemption.” (Sounds like Elijah will be playing the Stefan to Klaus’ Damon this time around, no?)

Also on board The Originals is Phoebe Tonkin, who will continue to play Hayley; and Daniella Pineda and Danielle Campbell, who will originate the bewitching roles of Sophie and Davina.

It sounds like this pilot, which will be written by The Vampire Diaries‘ executive producer Julie Plec, is really starting to take shape! Keep your fingers crossed that The Originals will be joining its parent show in the fall, as it was already picked up for a fifth season.

Are you more excited for The Originals than ever? Drop me a comment with your reaction to this new casting!

The Hollywood Reporter

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Originals news on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Charles Michael Davis Cast As Klaus’ Protege Marcel
2. Daniel Gillies Joining ‘Vampire Diaries’ Spin-Off ‘The Originals’
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Planning Spin-Off Series, ‘The Originals’

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Klaus’ new BFF! Charles Michael Davis has been tapped to play Marcel, Klaus’ former protegé, on The CW’s Vampire Diaries spin-off, HollywoodLife.com‘s sister site Deadline reports. Described as “wicked, wild and charismatic,” Marcel could find himself at odds with the original Original.

“Marcel is a former kicked-around street rat who now calls the shots in the supernatural playground of New Orleans,” Deadline reports. “As a modern-day vampire, he’s fierce and bold, able to accomplish as much with his charm as he is with his strength.”

So how does Marcel fit into this brave new world? Apparently Elijah (Daniel Gillies) is forced to team up with Marcel’s enemies, all in the name of “helping his self-destructive brother find redemption.”

If you’re wondering why Charles Michael Davis looks so familiar, you’ve probably seen him on BET’s The Game and/or ABC Family’s Switched At Birth.

Who Else Is Starring In ‘The Originals?’

Charles Michael Davis is actually the latest of many stars attached to The Originals.

Phoebe Tonkin will also star on the spin-off, reprising her Vampire Diaries character Hayley. There’s obviously a lot more we’re going to learn about Hayley, as there’s no apparent reason for her to join Klaus on his own show.

Also starring on The Originals will be Danielle Pineda, though specific details of her character have not yet been released.

What do you think of this casting? It’s a major character, so I can’t wait to see Charles Michael Davis rise to the challenge! Drop a comment with your thoughts on CMD below!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

Deadline

More on The Originals at HollywoodLife.com:

1. Daniel Gillies Joining ‘Vampire Diaries’ Spin-Off ‘The Originals’
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Planning Spin-Off Series, ‘The Originals’