You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve heard the hype. Now there’s only one thing you want to know: Which of these new midseason shows are worth watching and which should be avoided at all costs? In this continuing series, we give you the scoop on some of the most highly-anticipated shows of 2012, with today’s subject being a new series from the executive producers of DEGRASSI entitled THE L.A. COMPLEX.
The Plot: THE L.A. COMPLEX follows the lives of twenty-somethings living in the same apartment complex in L.A. trying to make it as actors, dancers, producers and comedians. Relationships begin and end, the need to succeed is tested and all characters are pushed to their breaking points.
The First Impression: After the mixed messages we left with following a recent set visit that had us slightly unsure as to the tone of the show, we’re pleased to report that THE L.A. COMPLEX successfully managed to hit all of the right notes. Zany, yet not as outlandish as MELROSE PLACE; Dramatic, albeit not in that after-school special kind of way made famous by DEGRASSI, THE L.A. COMPLEX gets serious credit for successfully infusing their initial batch of episodes with an ideal mix of drama, humor and scandal. More importantly still, thanks to the adorable Abby Vargas (Cassie Steele proving there is indeed life after DEGRASSI), the once-famous Raquel (Played by the surprisingly hilarious Jewel Staite who finally gets an opportunity to shine on a show that doesn’t involve space) and an immensely likeable supporting cast of Hollywood hopefuls, creator Martin Gero’s (BORED TO DEATH) sharply penned pilot does the one thing every new series must in ensuring its survival: Get us to care about the increasingly sordid lives and complex careers of the characters residing in the “Lux.”
The Concern: Well, aside from the fact that a paltry six-episode commitment doesn’t exactly give audiences much time to find this deserving new series, our only real concern stems from its premiere date. Which is to say, whichever Network executive thought premiering a series that has “scorching summer series” written all over it at the height of midseason television madness in January needs to reevaluate their programming strategies.
The Verdict: Has us ready to proclaim that we can’t remember the last time we had this much fun watching Canadian television. 
THE L.A. COMPLEX premieres Tuesday January 10th at 9PM on CTV and MuchMusic in Canada with subsequent episodes airing Tuesdays at 9PM on MuchMusic starting January 17th.