Picture it, pussycats. September 2006. On September 15, UPN — home of Girlfriends, Everybody Hates Chris, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer — called it quits. Just two days later, The WB — which gave us Gilmore Girls, Supernatural, and One Tree Hill — followed suit. The two networks were folded into a brand-new venture, and thus, The CW was born.
After airing reruns on September 18 and 19, The CW officially launched on September 20, 2006 — 10 years ago — with a two-hour episode of UPN castoff America's Next Top Model. Other old favorites, including the still-running Supernatural, were carried over. The network also added fresh content, resulting in shows that are now considered cult favorites. Don't tell us you've forgotten about Gossip Girl.
A decade later, CW shows like Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend are racking up awards left and right. It's been a hell of a ride. As such, it seems only fitting to celebrate this anniversary with a look back at the best of the bunch. From Veronica Mars to Arrow, these are the shows we've hearted the most.
Gilmore Girls(2000-2007)
Does one (final) season on The CW count? Our love for Rory and Lorelai knows no bounds, so yes!
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Smallville (2001-2011)
This show about a teenage Clark Kent (Tom Welling) premiered on The WB before setting up home on The CW a year later. Truth be told, we'd rather binge-watch all 10 seasons than sit through Man of Steel again.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.America's Next Top Model (2003-2015)
This UPN original moved to The CW in 2006, with its season 7 premiere becoming the first show to air on the fledgling network. Though the show is now airing on VH1 sans Tyra Banks, we'll never forget those smizes, makeovers, or the outfits Miss J wore.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Veronica Mars(2004-2007)
This Kristen Bell series only lasted a season after moving over from UPN, but we still hold a torch for the teen detective.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009)
This sitcom based on Chris Rock's adolescence originated on the UPN before crossing over. Shoutout to Tyler James Williams, who later became the unfortunate Noah on The Walking Dead.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Supernatural(2005-present)
1. We never would have heard the end of it if we didn't include this one. 2. Dean (as in Gilmore Girls) forever. 3. You've got to respect that the WB original has lasted this long. Nice work, Winchesters.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Gossip Girl(2007-2012)
We still XOXO the soapy exploits of Blair, Serena, and Chuck. Frankly, TV fashion just hasn't been the same since those crazy, filthy-rich kids called it quits.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.The Vampire Diaries (2009-present)
Do we mostly watch this vampy thriller to get an Ian Somerhalder fix? Absolutely. Will we miss it when it wraps up after the eighth, and final, season (beginning October 21)? Hell yes. God forbid we start turning to our old Twilight DVDs for some good ol' fang fiction.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)
This sweet show starring Rachel Bilson as an NYC doctor who moves to Alabama may have not been a huge ratings success, but it hit the rom-com spot.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Arrow (2012-present)
Two words: Stephen Amell.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Reign(2013-present)
History is so much more riveting when everyone's attractive and having wild sex. Think of this as a younger version of Outlander, with Mary, Queen of Scots, as its star.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Jane the Virgin (2014-present)
Now into its third season, premiering on October 17, this comedy stars Golden Globe-winner Gina Rodriguez as a sexually inexperienced woman who is accidentally artificial inseminated. Hate when that happens.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.The 100 (2014-present)
The CW is particularly good at tapping into film trends and tweaking them for the small screen. Into Divergent and The Hunger Games? You'll probably dig this sci-fi drama about teens trying to survive in an uncertain post-apocalyptic world.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-present)
Rachel Bloom nabbed a Golden Globe this year for her lead role in this quirky musical comedy. The second season premieres October 21.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.iZombie(2015-present)
With all due respect to Supergirl, we're just a little more invested in iZombie's Liv when it comes to CW heroines. Just so long as she doesn't eat us, that is.
Video: Courtesy of The CW.
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