Bloody good: Vampire Diaries picked up for full season

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Beauty and the Geek

Flash Forward

"US network The CW has picked up supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries for a full 22-episode first season.

New American TV series are traditionally given a 13-episode order. If audiences warm to the show, networks order an additional nine episodes — referred to as the "back nine" — bringing the total number of episodes up to 22.

The pick-up is not surprising: according to Variety , The Vampire Diaries pulled down The CW's highest-ever ratings when it premiered in the US in early September, when almost five million Americans tuned in.

Diaries is also one of the most illegally downloaded series on the internet.

Developed for TV by Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson, the series revolves around Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a high-school student who comes between two vampire brothers — the kind Stefan (Paul Wesley) and the dark Damon (Ian Somerhalder) — who wage battle for her soul.

The revamped Melrose Place was also picked up despite struggling in the ratings, though The CW only ordered five additional episodes of the saucy soap.

The Vampire Diaries airs in Australia on Go!."