'Gossip Girl' Season 4 Sneak Peek (VIDEO)

It's been a long, hot summer for our favorite Upper East Siders, and we know that you're just dying to find out who's been making up and breaking up while our backs have been turned.

While a certain pair of BFFrenemies have been causing a stir in Paris, you'll never guess what some of our favorite 'Gossip' boys have been up to ...

To whet your appetite before season 4 of 'Gossip Girl' debuts on Monday (Sept. 13 at 9PM ET), allow us to present an exclusive sneak peek, courtesy of those fine folks at the CW. After all, who doesn't need a little more Chace Crawford in their lives?

The last time we saw the delicious Nate Archibald, it looked as though he had unwisely decided to follow in Chuck Bass' footsteps and give his best friend some serious competition in the playboy department. Let's just say he's had a very busy summer, and he's not used to women playing hard to get ... Check out what happens when he finally meets his match (while out on the town with one of Bass' Little Black Book "acquaintances", no less):



Yes, 'Gossip' junkies, you may recognize that vivacious vixen as Katie Cassidy, who was the only memorable part of last year's failed 'Melrose Place' reboot and previously did an excellent job of aiding and abetting those hunky Winchester boys in season three of 'Supernatural'.

Now, she has her sights set on Nate, and frankly, we don't know which one we should be more jealous of. Cassidy is certain to add a spark to any volatile situation, but will she be a bad influence, or can she lead the rudderless Nate back to solid ground?

Check out the CW's description for the first episode, entitled 'Belles de Jour' and then join me back here on Monday night to dissect the dirt from the season premiere:

"Blair (Leighton Meester) has spent a fabulous summer in Paris without realizing her former love, Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), has been shot. As much as Blair tries to distract herself from the pain Chuck caused her, his mysterious appearance in Paris with a beautiful new woman (guest star Clémence Poésy) will force both of them to face what happened.

Meanwhile, a newly single Serena (Blake Lively) has been enjoying a Parisian summer of love with boys, Blair and Balenciaga as she tries to avoid the inevitable decision about which of her two long-time beaus, Dan or Nate (Penn Badgley and Chace Crawford), she should return to.

Back on the Upper East Side, Nate meets an intriguing girl, Juliet (guest star Katie Cassidy, "Melrose Place"), who helps him realize that his summer of sexual conquests with the help of Chuck's little black book was his way of avoiding his unresolved feelings for Serena.

Meanwhile, Dan's (Penn Badgley) baby mama drama continues with Georgina (guest star Michelle Trachtenberg). Finally, the van der Woodsen apartment is buzzing with activity as the "Fashion's Night Out" event is planned. Jessica Szohr, Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle also star. Mark Piznarski directed the episode written by executive producers Joshua Safran and Stephanie Savage."


Will you be watching?


[Follow Laura on Twitter @LauinLA.]