• by Fern Siegel , March 31, 2010

WE tv reports a strong 2009, delivering its highest-ever prime-time household rating for women 25-54. Building on its success, it announced new upcoming series. Most will begin in late April.

A big get is "Mother Knows Best," a show that examines the mother-daughter relationship of comedian Joan Rivers and daughter Melissa, famed for their red-carpet critiques. The opinionated Rivers is moving from New York to Los Angeles and into her daughter's home, where she currently lives with her young son and boyfriend. The show is scheduled for a fourth-quarter launch.

Continuing the mother-daughter theme, the network is also launching "You're Wearing That?!" In the no-holds-barred series, family members dish about each other's wardrobe. Stylist Luciene Salomone is thrown into the fray to jump-start fashion fixes.

Separately, "Sunset Daze" -- billed as the "Melrose Place" of retirement homes -- will debut, as will "Downsized," which considers the economy's impact on one family. "Downsized" dovetails with a study by Insight Research Group, commissioned by WEtv, to gauge the impact of the recession on women. It found that 47% say they have become smarter about spending, while 33% now teach their kids about financial responsibility.

John Miller, senior vice president of original productions and developments, called the new slate "an important programming evolution for WE tv, expanding from its authoritative wedding niche to telling a wide range of stories about the life stages of the modern woman."

Also, the ongoing tagline -- "Simply Fascinating" -- separates WE from its rivals, specifically Oxygen.

In keeping with WE's focus on family, Dr. Tara Fields will address broken relationships in "Fix My Family," while the Masches return for a second season of "Raising Sextuplets."

WE's established bridal lineup is adding "Girl Meets Gown," set at two of the busiest bridal shops in Texas; it follows three to four brides per show. The net has also acquired the full eight-season library of "Charmed."

Kim Martin, president/GM of WE tv and Wedding Central, said: "We have more viewers than ever before in our history, and we're excited to bring them a new slate packed with conflict, drama and humor that addresses issues most relevant to their lives."