The CW in the past has made early renewal decisions in January, a somewhat smart choice to lockdown all cast and crew before pilot season gets underway. But new CW president Mark Pedowitz most likely wants to weigh out all options and make his final decision during upfronts, which takes place in May. What’s followed is a state of uncertainty for practically all series on the network — including once CW darling (and staple, and new image, and centerpiece, and face) teenage soap Gossip Girl. What hasn’t helped is that it has become the network’s — and all of TV in general — lowest-rated show. But could The CW really can its signature series just because of waning United States ratings?

Apparently not. According to The Wrap, someone close to production has stated that it is likely Gossip Girl will be renewed for a sixth and final season, á la One Tree Hill (whose final season, by the way, is probably deserving of another season given the network’s state). That being said, the final season of the iconic New York drama will come with a shorter episode order — just 13 episodes, which would bring the episode total count to 124.

It’s unsure, perhaps forever, if the network would bring back the series for good faith or for any otherwise monetary incentive. It’s still one of the most downloaded series and gets the network the biggest buck for Netflix licensing. But bearing the fact that the network does renew Gossip Girl for a final season, and given the lesser ratings, could a final season promotion help keep the series afloat to go out with a bang… or will it whimper?

In other words, will you be watching?

via: @GGirlsss
source: The Wrap