The networks have announced their Fall schedules, but which of the series will actually be worth watching? This Summer, as the networks release their pilots, I'll be posting my first impressions. A lot can change before a show makes it to air — especially this year, when the writers' strike severely gummed up the production of pilots — so consider these just some quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: CBS's The Ex List, which is slated to air on Friday nights.
What's it about? A 30-something woman named Bella learns from a psychic that her soulmate is one of the many men she's dated previously in her life — and if she doesn't find him and marry him within the year, she'll be single forever.
Who's in it? Elizabeth Reaser, Rachel Boston, Alexandra Breckenridge, Adam Rothenberg, Amir Talai
The good: I'm only familiar with Reaser from her role as Rebecca/Ava on Grey's Anatomy, so it's good to see that she's also an appealing lead actress (not to mention one with arms to die for — I nearly dropped to the floor for some push-ups in the middle of one of her scenes). There's a good dynamic between Bella and her roommates, whose slacker-ish delayed adulthood seems symbolized by the plastic kiddie pool they lounge in. The show's executive producer hails from Veronica Mars, and that background shows through in some of the snappy dialogue.
The bad: I'm not sure how the premise will hold up long-term. Will there be an ex of the week who's reintroduced and disposed of within a single episode (as in the pilot)? Will there be weeks with multiple guys and weeks with no guys at all? Also, something about the tone seems off for CBS — essentially, it feels more like an ABC dramedy than anything on CBS right now, and I don't see even the tamer sex jokes going over well with the Ghost Whisperer crowd. Reaser gets stuck with a couple of clunky lines ("holy hotness, Batman") and doesn't sell them particularly well.
Will I watch? Fridays are tough, and I don't know that there was enough here to hook me as a regular viewer — but if I happened to be home, I wouldn't be sorry to watch it.
To watch a preview, just read more.
Opening Ceremony
Vanessa Bruno
Fornarina
I can see the potential here. Most likely, I'll give this one a chance. Thanks for the preview, Buzz.
1I thought the same thing about it feeling like an ABC show. I don't think this show will make it. It just doesn't seem that interesting.
2she really does have arms to die for.
3anyone else seeing the resemblence to alexis bledel? they could practically be sisters
Ugh. I couldn't stand her as Rebecca. And on Friday? Already, I am not willing to make that commitment
4I loved Reaser in Sweet Land but hated her in Grey's and in Saved, so here's hoping I like her in this. She seems charming in it, but the premise seems like it can get stale fast, as does the forced cuteness factor.
5It looks interesting, but I can't see the concept going on forever (although, since she's been dating "since the womb" perhaps there is more potential there than I would imagine)...
6I think this would make a great movie premise, but as a weekly thing, I'm not so sure. Sadly, this show took the Moonlight spot so I won't be watching it regardless of how good it is! CBS should have stuck with a great show they already had!
7Too bad it's on Friday nights. Not a good TV night! Otherwise I'd probably check it out... if I happened to remember it was on.
8I don't see myself being entertained by a woman who visits "fortune tellers" and then scrambles about desperate to get married before it's "too late".
9i don't care for this actress, and i think this seems more like a movie plot than a tv show. i really doubt i'll bother with this one.
10I'm with sydneyalias on this one... I may have given it a shot, but considering it's taking Moonlight's place - forget it. I also agree with tdamji - this would probably do better as a movie than a series.
Besides... too many shows I watched were canceled this past year, so I've decided not to watch anything new. If it makes it for a second season then I might check it out.
11I like Elizabeth Reaser (she was my favorite character in The Family Stone) but I don't know if I am going to watch the show. Friday nights are bad nights for TV.
12I forgot that she was in the Family Stone (which doesn't say much) but Grey's is her work that is on the front of my mind, so I am still a no.
13i ttly agree wiht juliex0x. she has that common resemblence with Alexis BLedel i can see it!
14Reaser is Butt ugly, harsh and cannot act.
15I really dislike Elizabeth Reaser. I saw her before Grey's in an indie film I cannot recall the name of and I was more than unimpressed...
16Not too crazy about the actress either so not too excited about watching it. By the way, does anyone know the love song playing in the background during the commercial for this show? Need it for wedding reception!
17I can't believe she gets any work. She is so ugly and she will probably ruin Twilight for me. Her forehead and eyes really bug me. The only people who seem to find her attractive are women. I quit watching Grays Anatomy for a while.
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