When I first heard about a show being picked up by The CW about competitive cheerleaders, I immediately passed on being interested. But then the cast was announced and I couldn’t shake my interest! So the Pilot of Hellcats was sent my way earlier this summer and after watching, I couldn’t be more excited for the show to premiere.

Note: There has been re-casting since screeners of the rough cut Pilot were sent out to press this past summer.

Starring: Aly Milchaka, Ashley Tisdale, Robbie Jones, Matt Barr, Heather Hemmens, Gail O’Grady, Elena Esovolova, Sharon Leal

Marti Perkins’ plan was to get through Lancer University on her scholarship, go to law school, and leave Memphis and her hard-drinking mother behind to start a new life as an attorney. Instead, Marti’s scholarship gets cancelled and her mother “forgets” to tell her. Out of options, Marti finds herself fighting for a spot on the Hellcats — Lancer’s legendary cheer squad — and for the scholarship that comes with it. The squad needs a new member when the beautiful Alice Verdura is injured, and Marti’s fierce style, soulful moves and gymnastic elegance win her a place on the team, despite an ugly encounter with Savannah Monroe, a petite and peppy Texan who ends up being Marti’s new roommate. Marti instantly hits it off with her new squad partner, the charming and extremely athletic Lewis Flynn, and their budding friendship causes alarm bells to go off for Lewis’ ex, Alice, as well as Marti’s long-time friend, Dan Patch. Overseeing all the practices and personal drama is former Hellcats star and current coach Vanessa Lodge, whose job is on the line unless the squad wins the upcoming nationals. Just like Marti, Vanessa’s future is riding on the Hellcats ascending to the very top of the fiercely competitive world of college cheerleading.

Viewers are first introduced to first year law student, Marti (Alyson Milchaka) who attends Lancer University in Tennessee without any conflicts until she finds out that she no longer has a scholarship. Though it doesn’t take long for Marti to find a solution to her problem. Marti somewhat reluctantly decides to try out for a position on the Hellcats cheer leading team in order to obtain an athletic scholarship. Even though Marti mocks the cheerleaders with her best friend, Dan (Matt Barr) she is a tough girl. She is a responsible adult and knows that she needs to do whatever it takes to stay in school. So of course Marti puts in Bring It On at home to prep for her try out. Marti, edgy as she is, kills at try outs, makes the team, and moves into the cheer house, “Cheertown.”

Marti: Oh my God, you did not just call me goth. You don’t even know what goth is you bobblehead wackjob!

Marti’s room mate is none other than Hellcats team captain, Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) who is not only a professional but a perfectionist. Those aspects remind me of Sharpay (High School Musical). But aside from these characteristics, Ashley Tisdale has left Sharpay behind. Only a tough cookie when she needs to be, Savannah is a ball of joy, a loyal friend, and cheer leader in life, not just on the field and stage. Marti also befriends team mate, Lewis (Robbie Jones) who recently got out of a relationship with injured Hellcats co-captain Alice (Heather Hemmens). Alice makes a good villain but can easily be empathized with as she’s clearly fighting for love. You can decide what you think of Alice when the show premieres tomorrow. She’s not the only character who is complicated. Marti’s mother, Wanda (Gail O’Grady) is part of the reason why Marti has such a short amount of time to find a replacement scholarship for college. She appears to be an irresponsible recovering alcoholic…working on campus at Lancer University Pub. I cannot wait to see the tension between Marti and Wanda grow. I cannot wait to see more of not only the family dynamic but more friendships and relationships blossom and become undone. Hellcats is as much story line driven as it is character driven, so I can definitely see longevity for the show.

Marti: Do you invent your own catty metaphors or is there like a book?

The casting was smart. The writing is smart. It has a really well thought out plot and the characters have depth. The story lines are relatable and realistic and the characters will take you on such a fun ride! Viewers will find themselves emotionally connected and invested in these characters from day one. The writing is so sharp. The show knows how to be clever and witty, sad and hopeful. There is just an abundant amount of emotions that this show evokes. There’s something for everyone to appreciate here…even the music, or especially the music. Music is a major component for shows on The CW and Hellcats is doing a great job so far with this component. My favorite song in the Pilot has to be the closing number, “We Are Golden” by Mika. I also enjoyed Marti’s narration in the opening. It reminds me of One Tree Hill. Hellcats really is an all around perfect fit for The CW, so if you’re not watching Wednesday night, you are missing out on one of the most exciting new shows this season.

Be sure to read my interview with Hellcats star, Robbie Jones.

Hellcats premieres September 8, 2010 at 9/8c on The CW.