Executive producers

The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz and fellow writer Stephanie Savage have served as the show's executive

producers throughout the series' run, followed by Bob Levy and Leslie Morgenstein of Alloy Entertainment, who were assigned in aiding the adaptation of the novels into the series.

[7] Following the success of Gossip

Girl, Gilmore Girls co-producer, John Stephens was approached by Schwartz and Savage, having previously

worked with him in The O.C., and hired him as an executive producer. Joshua Safran was also added as an executive producer.

[8]

[edit] Casting

Featuring nine regular speaking roles, the majority of the ensemble cast was assembled from February to April 2007. Blake Lively and Leighton Meester were the first two actresses to be chosen in February for the lead roles of Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, respectively.

[9] Penn Badgley, Taylor Momsen,

Chace Crawford, Kelly Rutherford, Connor Paolo and Florencia Lozano (appeared in pilot only; replaced by Margaret Colin) also auditioned successfully and landed roles in the series in March.

[10][11][12] Actors for the

roles of Chuck Bass and Rufus Humphrey were found in April when English actor Ed Westwick and Matthew Settle were cast.

[13] As rumors swirled about the impending cancellation of Veronica Mars, it was revealed at

The CW's 2007 Upfronts on May 17, 2007 that Kristen Bell had narrated the pilot, thus making her the title character of another show on the network.

[14] Jessica Szohr was signed on to portray the recurring role of

Vanessa Abrams and received regular status during the fourteenth episode of the first season.[15][16]

Throughout the series' run, Connor Paolo consistently declined to elevate his recurring role of Eric van der

Woodsen to regular status, citing personal reasons for his decision.[17]

Jenny Humphrey, portrayed by Taylor Momsen, went on an indefinite hiatus during the series' fourth season but retained regular bil l ing.

[18]

As the show progressed, numerous recurring guest stars appeared in the show. Michelle Trachtenberg signed on to portray Georgina Sparks.

[19] Francie Swift and Sam Robards took the parental roles of Anne and

Howard Archibald, respectively.[20][21]

Caroline Lagerfelt portrayed Celia "CeCe" Rhodes, Serena's

grandmother.[22]

Sebastian Stan made several appearances as Carter Baizen throughout the show's first three seasons.

[23]