'GCB': Exclusive First Look At ABC's New Show, Hailed The New 'Desperate Housewives' (VIDEO)

ABC's new "Desperate Housewives"-esque dramedy has gone through a few good names: "Good Christian Bitches" was toned down a bit to "Good Christian Belles" and now it's the short, sweet and easily hashtag-able "GCB." But that doesn't make it any less over-the-top ... it is set in Texas, after all.

We've got an exclusive sneak peek at the show (premiering Sunday, March 4 at 10 p.m. EST on ABC) to introduce you to reformed mean girl Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb) and her one-time targets who are now ready for revenge (including Kristin Chenoweth, Miriam Shor, Jennifer Aspen and Marisol Nichols). We also get to meet Amanda's larger-than-life mother, Gigi, played by the inimitable Annie Potts.

I spoke with the cast about the new show (fun video interviews coming soon), and Potts got more than a little choked up talking about her inspiration for playing Gigi: Her late, great "Designing Women" co-star, Dixie Carter.

"Any time I looked at the script, I thought, 'Hmm ... now how shall I do ... I'll do it the way Dixie would do it!'" Potts said with a laugh. "She just had that snap. There was a great enthusiasm about her, and I feel like Gigi's like that. [In her Gigi accent] 'Yes! That's what we're going to do! We're going to do it big, and we're going to have a wonderful time!' Dixie was like that. She was so quick to laugh, and she was just an extraordinary person. I just feel like I'm doing her all the time, and it is my great privilege. She was something. If she were still on this planet with us, she would've had this role."

Take a look at the video below to see what she means, and to hear more about these bible-quoting gossipy gals.

Comments

[cmtodd6830]

01:59 PM on 04/16/2012

I find the show funny because I knew and grew up around people who acted like this. And it wasn't Texas.. I'm enjoying the show, the ones who are offended by are nothing but uptight GCB's themselves.. Get a sense of humor!!

[SAJ888]

11:24 AM on 03/06/2012

People who are trying to ban this show or feel that it is somehow an affront to their beliefs and values are indeniably idiotic. 1) I watched the show and I loved it! It pokes fun, but doesn't denigrate. 2) It's a comedy, not a definitive or factual representation on what being Christian means. I'm rooting for the show, it's funny, light-hearted and as a transplant living in Dallas, pretty spot on for a few ladies I've met! Keep up the good work ABC!

[Victoria Thomas Poller]

12:43 AM on 03/05/2012

This is It!!! Don't even watch any ABC today or any other day (sorry “The View”). You can do it!!! GCB boycott of ABC TV by angry Christians http://shar.es/gApiS Read the story and take time to let the station know how you feel and don’t forget to “Comment” on the Examiner article #boycottgcb (Twitter)

[Steven Crooks]

11:43 PM on 03/04/2012

This is truly a mockery, these women are not Christians nor do they reflect Christ in anything they do or say. This is not Humor not funny in anyway. The Bible dose not teach us to live this way, anyone can say they are Christian But only a true Christian will live out the teachings of Christ. to say that these women are christian is blasphemous these are of Satan 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

[fygmo]

08:31 PM on 02/01/2012

Oh, Yeah ... this is gonna be goo-oo-ood ... Kristen Chenoweth is in top form ... and Disney seems to be lettin'em have some free rein heah.

[James Redding]

01:35 PM on 01/27/2012

This show is truly sad! When will Gods children open their eyes and say "NO MORE!!" to jusnk shows like this that are trying to make a joke out of Christianity?

[kpet111058]

11:15 PM on 01/28/2012

I couldn't agree more. HOLLYWOOD IS GETTING MORE AND MORE BOLD IN IT'S ASSAULT ON CHRISTIANS. I will not watch this show.

[dhtex]

05:31 PM on 02/27/2012

Oh please, get a sense of humor and learn to laugh at yourselves. We can all laugh together. the world needs a little more humor/laughter in it. I am a Christian and I think it looks hilarious. I was born in Dallas and still love it. Get over yourself and laugh a bit. You can attract more people to Christianity that way, instead of being so judgemental and pious! I have a sister like you and she does more to push people away from Christianity than anyone I know.

[Connan]

10:53 AM on 01/27/2012

My mother loves to watch "Desperate Housewives" and I've read that ABC's "GCB" will be an even bigger hit. ABC made a good choice in airing this show during prime time hours, especially since DISH Network is now offering a new PrimeTime Anytime feature for their new DVR called the Hopper. PrimeTime Anytime allows the Hopper to self-record the four major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC and ABC) all at once during prime time hours. The Hopper can record six shows at once and it holds your PrimeTime Anytime programming for up to eight days. The Hopper carries a separate recording space for customers 250 hours of HD content and it offers customers full DVR functions in all four rooms! A co-worker at DISH told me that the Hopper also comes with Pandora radio and some other really cool feature that you want to check out.

[Scott Stevenson]

02:08 PM on 01/26/2012

This is gonna be fun!

[Litho-stone]

04:44 PM on 01/25/2012

I do not miss TV.

[Natacha GelinLisaint]

08:19 AM on 01/25/2012

I'll never watch! Not that they care but I'm still not watching.

[itsjules]

03:41 AM on 01/25/2012

Looks deliciously soapy and lascivious. Pure cheese, like a Lifetime movie that celebrates its absurdity instead of taking itself oh-so-seriously while not realizing how absurd it is.

I'll give it a whirl, for sure.

[jesthefaxman]

03:05 PM on 01/24/2012

Can we just leave the Texas smack out of it?

[proofreaders2000]

07:17 PM on 01/24/2012

Trying to make a satire of a "God & guns" culture imo won't go over well, especially after Rick Perry ended his campaign for US President.

[jesthefaxman]

08:33 PM on 01/24/2012

Not unless Tom Hanks makes if for HBO. Nobody can typecast a group into reality like that guy.

[jomby]

02:21 PM on 01/24/2012

Love Chenoweth and Potts. Can't wait

[mjredder]

01:46 PM on 01/24/2012

Is a brunette supposed to be considered a minority character these days? That's a lot of white skin in that promo photo...

[alsm9]

02:49 PM on 01/24/2012

Well, it IS a show about Texas republicans isn't it? With that said I have my serious doubts about it.

[laurenproof12]

04:38 PM on 01/24/2012

So? If it were all another nationality would you be writing the same comment?

[luisroman]

01:16 PM on 01/24/2012

Always a pleasure seeing Kristin Chenoweth on television, I just wish "Pushing Daisies" hadn't been cancelled!

[itsjules]

03:42 AM on 01/25/2012

Seeing this promo prompted a Daisies Marathon for me. I just started the second and final season.

What a great show that was.