UPN, which is the home of the “South Beach” series, and The WB are merging into one channel called The CW later this year. While a schedule won’t be released until the upfronts in May, the new network is sure to carry such hits as “Gilmore Girls,” “Supernatural” and “Smallville” from WB and “America’s Next Top Model,” “Veronica Mars” and “Everybody Hates Chris” from UPN. With only 13 hours of prime-time programming a week, chances are slim that “South Beach” will make the jump to the new network unless its viewership significantly increases.

Warning: This is the plot outline for Ja Rule’s episode. There are some minor spoilers.

Wednesday, Feb. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) SOUTH BEACH — When Alex becomes Arielle’s manager, he uses aggressive tactics to prevent her from being taken advantage. Meanwhile, Matt discovers that Maggie is a gifted singer and places her CD in the hands of an established music producer (guest star Ja Rule) without letting her know.

The first episode of South Beach came in 16th place last night for its time slot, and in the second hour it dropped to 17th. Compared with the last new episode of “Veronica Mars” (households: 2.4/4; adults 18-49: 1.4 on 12/7/05), “Beach’s” two-episode average was off a whopping 33.33% in households and 28.57% in adults 18-49 (thefutoncritic).

This is very bad news for the show.

Vanessa Williams will be on Live with Regis & Kelly this morning, presumably to talk about South Beach - which premieres tomorrow night on UPN.