This new WB series is leading a "Charmed" life

Web posted on: Friday, October 23, 1998 4:31:20 PM EDT

From Correspondent Dennis Michael

HOLLYWOOD (CNN) -- As psychedelic folk singer Donovan once said: Must be the season of the witch.

At theaters, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock have topped box offices with their movie about sibling witches, "Practical Magic." And the WB network has turned out a new series, "Charmed," about -- what else? -- a trio of sisters who discover they have magical powers.

The series stars Shannen Doherty, Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs, and the show's premiere broke records as the network's highest rated debut.

"I came running into the makeup trailer and I was like, 'Highest WB premiere ever! And they were like, "What? Speak English. Calm down,'" said an excited Combs.

Casting a Spelling

The real magician behind it all is Aaron Spelling, who knows what it takes to make a hit. He made Doherty a household name in "Beverly Hills 90210" and installed Milano in "Melrose Place."

"Everything he touches turns to gold," said Milano. "I worked with him on 'Melrose Place' and I am happy to be working with him again. You always feel safe with Spelling."

Doherty calls Spelling loyal.

"Once you have a good relationship with Aaron, he seems to want to work with you over and over again," Doherty says. "And it is good because you go back into a situation knowing exactly what you are getting into. It makes it somewhat of a smooth ride."

Having fun on the set

No wicked witch

In "Charmed," the three actresses find themselves battling evil, and occasionally, each other. But the actress say they get along well off-the-set.

Milano said she was at first intimidated because Doherty and Combs had an established friendship. "I knew they were friends, and I was a little freaked out," Milano says. "But as soon as I got to the set, I was like, 'This is going to be so much fun.'"

It seems the three stars of "Charmed" are charming each other, as well as audiences.