Facts From a TV Junkie: 'Gossip Girl'

Hello all! Chances are if you're reading this it means you, much like myself, are addicted to TV. You just can't ever get enough of that small screen action! Well, I'm here to tell you that I feel your pain and would like to help you in your noble quest for TV knowledge, which is why I've taken it upon myself to create this fun, weekly feature. Every week, I will dig up new and interesting facts about a show and share them with you right here. So sit back, relax, and let the trivia madness commence!

Rise and shine Upper East Siders…I mean, TVRage readers. This week, I thought it would be fun to dive headfirst into the glitz and glam of ‘Gossip Girl.’ This popular teen soap drama gave its fans six whole seasons of top-notch fashion, epic romances, and — most importantly — tons of gossip. However, there may still be a few things you don’t know about these high-class New Yorkers and I feel it’s my job to fill you in as much as possible. You know you love me. XOXO.

Did You Know:

1. The series is actually based on a book.

Yes, believe it or not, there are actually ‘Gossip Girl’ books out there, based on the best selling novel series of the same name and written by Cecily Von Ziegesar. So if you loved the show, but are unfamiliar with the books, I suggest you plan your Kindle downloads accordingly and start reading ASAP!

2. Originally, The CW did not want Ed Westwick to play Chuck Bass.

The network insisted that he looked “more like a serial killer than a romantic lead,” making them hesitant to cast him in the part. In the end, however, they ended up having a change of heart. Lucky for us because, let’s face it, would we really want him any other way?

3. Every episode title is a word play on the title of a movie.

Some examples include “Seventeen Candles,” “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!” and “It’s a Wonderful Lie.” So if you’re a big fan of movies and puns, I suggest you run through the whole list and see for yourself. It’s pretty creative, not to mention extremely amusing.

4. ‘Gossip Girl’ saved Penn Badgley’s acting career.

The actor was on the verge of quitting acting altogether when he was offered the role of Dan Humphrey. In fact, he initially turned down the part because of his plans to get out of the business, but was eventually persuaded to join the cast by producer Stephanie Savage. Good thing too! The show just wouldn't have been the same without him.

5. There was supposed to be a ‘Gossip Girl’ spin-off.

Set in the ‘80s, the spin-off was going to focus on the characters of Lily and Susan Rhodes during their younger years. However, The CW ended up deciding to pass on the pilot, which was eventually aired as part of the show’s second season. Sooo...any chance this could still happen? Please?

6. Michelle Trachtenberg was not the first in line to play Georgina Sparks.

Originally, the role was offered to Mischa Barton, but after she turned it down the opportunity went to Trachtenberg. She ended up being a perfect fit for the part, but now I can't help but wonder how Barton would've done in such a villainous role.

7. The series was originally pitched as a feature film.

Lindsay Lohan had even been cast to play the part of Blair Waldorf. But when the idea fell through, Josh Schwartz was approached about turning it into a series — a project which he happily accepted.

8. Blake Lively and Penn Badgley dated in in real life.

While their relationship on-screen as Serena and Dan could be somewhat rocky at times, the duo actually had a pretty solid romantic relationship off-screen throughout a major portion of the series, having dated from 2007-2010. I guess when you’re in a show about love and relationships, it’s easy for reality to start imitating art.

I hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Facts From a TV Junkie. Check back next week for another fix!

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