Daily Variety is reporting that The CW is taking up the idea of spinning off a new series from its already very successful series Gossip Girl … but contrary to the way the original book series handled a spin-off, the new series is said NOT to focus on the Jenny Humphrey character. According to Variety, GG will test the spin-off waters with an upcoming episode meant to gauge interest in a new series … the big question remains — which character will be chosen as the focus for the new series?

The CW may utilize an episode of “Gossip Girl” later this year to test the spinoff waters. According to netlet insiders, one of the hit teen skein’s segs later this season may double as a backdoor pilot for a “Gossip Girl” spinoff. Such a move would save in pilot costs, and allow the CW a chance to gauge viewer reaction before moving forward on such a companion show. Rumors of a “Girl” spinoff have been percolating for some time, in part because Alloy Entertainment’s “Gossip Girl” book series — from which the TV show was based — already has a spinoff of its own, “The It Girl.” But sources say a televised “Gossip Girl” spinoff would not be “The It Girl,” nor would it focus on the character of Jenny Humphrey (the character spun off from the “Gossip Girl” books for “The It Girl”), played on TV by Taylor Momsen. The TV spinoff would nonetheless likely center on one of the show’s nine regular characters — although there’s always a chance a new character could be planted in the backdoor pilot. A “Gossip Girl” spinoff is still in the very early stages of development, and didn’t seem likely earlier this year. However, the CW may have decided to move forward with one after all now that it’s been forced to scrap “The Graysons,” an origins tale revolving around Batman’s sidekick, Robin. “The Graysons” was set to serve as the tentpole of this year’s CW development slate. With that project out of the picture, the CW has been hunting for another big-ticket title to prep for next season.

I’m not sure how I feel about the notion of a spin-off show. I like things the way they are right now … if they dilute the awesomeness, the whole thing might fall apart. Depending on which character they decide to revolve the proposed new serious around, it could be a HUGE failure or (IMHO) just a marginal success. I’m pretty sure the spin-off would have to be anchored by a female character … I just don’t know how a new series based on one of the guys would really work. In any event, if this GG spin-off show is a go then it’ll prolly join the new Melrose Place redux that The CW is said to be making on the network next season. Whatever happened to original ideas? HMMM. What do y’all think … are YOU interested in a Gossip Girl spin-off? If so, who would YOU like to see as the featured star?

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