Since its premiere on Sept. 14, season 3 of “Gossip Girl” has fans wondering how much longer this show will last. Airing to dismal ratings each week, the new direction of “Gossip Girl” might not necessarily be the right one.

“Gossip Girl” is a show about a group of friends and “frienemies” living the glamorous life of the Manhattan elite. Based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar, “Gossip Girl” has really taken on a life of its own.

This season so far seems to lack the explosive plot twists the previous ones always banged out. Things like Serena killing someone, Blair and Chuck having an intense hook up in the back of a limo, Nate’s steamy affair with an older woman — and not to mention his love triangle between Vanessa and Little J — are just some of the story lines that kept “Gossip Girl” fans on the edge of their seats in previous seasons. This season thus far has not done “Gossip Girl” justice, and its future could be in jeopardy.

A similar thing happened a few years ago to another teen drama that was all about sex, drugs, scandal and rich kids. It dabbled in everything one would expect to see in a world of hot, wealthy, high school teenagers. “The O.C.” was a very popular show in its first three seasons, containing all the story lines that, although not the most original, were certainly enticing and wickedly entertaining.

When bad boy Ryan Atwood moved in with the Cohens, there was trouble right from the start. Continuous strings of fires, affairs, drugs, overdoses, pregnancies and palpable sexual tension between all the characters made it hard to turn away; “The O.C.” was a hit that seemed to be here to stay.

The success did not last however, and season 3 started to take a turn for the worst — just as “Gossip Girl” is doing now. When Marissa Cooper died in the season 3 finale, “The O.C.” was ruined and every fan knew it. Season 4 just lacked what made it so special in the beginning, and without Marissa, Ryan was without a true love. Season 4 was cut short and ultimately ended on a very mediocre note.

If “Gossip Girl” doesn’t start to pick up momentum it may prove to have “The O.C.” syndrome at the season 3 hump, because although there is a lot going on in the world of “Gossip Girl,” there doesn’t seem to be a lot happening. This is the first time the characters have all been spread out around the city rather than in high school together and it seems to be missing the initial spark that made “Gossip Girl” so enticing. The staying power of the show really depends on the next few episodes and where the story lines are going to take each character.

Sophomore Sarah Greenberg said, “I love ‘Gossip Girl,’ but this season so far seems pointless. Every episode is filled with annoying problems that could be easily avoided.”

There is definite potential in this season as the truth about Scott’s identity could soon be revealed, as well as Blair’s climb back to the top of the social ladder, and a rumored m√É.√©nage √É.√† trois that could make for some very steamy fun. Hilary Duff and Tyra Banks, among others, are also making guest appearances to help pull in some ratings.

Hopefully within the next few weeks Gossip Girl will begin to transform back into the show that became a sensation. Otherwise many loyal fans might have to turn their backs on their Upper East Side friends.