The CW Network has just announced that there will be a ninth season of "Smallville." There was some concern by fans of the series because of the negotiations concerning the contract of series star Tom Welling. The fact the Thursday night series is returning suggest a deal has been made. Otherwise, the name might have been changed to "Green Arrow."

"Smallville" will return in the fall along with "Gossip Girl," "90210," two editions of "America's Next Top Model" and "Supernatural."

The real shock is that "One Tree Hill" will be back for another year. I thought that show had been canceled two years ago.

This is not the final list of CW shows that could return. Programs like "Reaper" (which returns to the channel in March) and "Privileged" have not been given word of their fates. I would not place any money on "Privileged." The show never generated good ratings.

The future of "Everybody Hates Chris" also looks bleak. But, anything can happen.