Freshman show has been improving in key demos

Shenae Grimes, who plays the Cheshire-grinning Annie Wilson on " 90210," really has something to smile about now.

The CW has picked up its freshman drama, a contemporary spinoff of the original " Beverly Hills, 90210," for a full season, the network announced Monday, Sept. 22.

"The successful addition of '90210' has taken The CW another step forward in building a cohesive schedule that defines this network as a destination for young women with shows that get our audience talking -- and watching," says The CW's head, Dawn Ostroff. "We're very excited about the chance to watch this ensemble of newcomers and familiar faces coalesce and grow together as we move forward."

The show's two-hour debut on Sept. 2 was watched by 4.9 million viewers, making it the highest-rated scripted series premiere in the network's history. "90210" has been gaining in the target female demos.

The premiere included familiar faces Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth returning to the old zipcode to greet the Wilson family consisting of Beverly Hills newcomers Shenae Grimes, Tristan Wilds, Rob Estes and Lori Loughlin. Jessica Walter, AnnaLynne McCord, Dustin Milligan, Ryan Eggold, Jessica Stroup and Michael Steger round out the cast.