Move over, "Melrose Place" -- there's a new, er, place to be.
But unlike the small apartment building in West Hollywood that housed a doctor, a social worker and a bad-boy handyman, the dwellers of The Lux in new MuchMusic series "The L.A. Complex" are more like aspiring actress Sandy and struggling writer Billy.
The new original scripted drama is from the producers of classic teen opus "Degrassi," and centres on a group of people with stars in their eyes as they deal with the "real" reality of showbiz.
"The L.A. Complex," created and executive-produced by Martin Gero ("Bored to Death," "Young People Fucking"), stars Jonathan Patrick Moore ("Neighbours") as Connor, a breakout Australian with a dark past; Cassie Steele ("Degrassi") as Abby, a Toronto girl ready to fight to get to the top in Tinseltown (eerily similar to her real-life experience); Joe Dinicol ("Life With Derek") as Nick, a nice-guy comedian; Chelan Simmons ("Kyle XY") as Alicia, a dancer who will do whatever it takes to make ends meet; Benjamin Charles Watson ("Soul") as Tariq, a talented hip-hop artist from Montreal working as an intern; Jewel Staite ("Stargate Atlantis") as street-smart Haligonian Raquel, who's afraid of becoming yesterday's news, and Andre Fuller ("Entourage") as Kaldrick, the extremely successful hip-hop artist.
"The compelling story of aspiring performers migrating to Hollywood to pursue their dreams is a story that resonates with every young generation," says Neil Staite, VP and General Manager, Music and Entertainment, Bell Media in a press release. ""The L.A. Complex" is a perfect series for MuchMusic, as its audience will not only connect with Martin's strong and often provocative storylines, but also relate to the complex and engaging characters, fighting to achieve acceptance and stardom."
You know how "Melrose" began sweetly and innocently, with a crossover from "90210"s Kelly Taylor, and didn't really hit its stride until Amanda Woodward and Dr. Kimberly Shaw dug their claws in? Well, expect the same from "The L.A. Complex"; except, instead of beginning all nice and neat, it's down and dirty (in a good way, of course) from the get-go.
"The L.A. Complex" premieres on CTV and MuchMusic on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 9 p.m. ET.