With several new series set to premiere this Winter, I'm resurrecting my occasional pilot watch feature to share my first impressions of the upcoming shows. Up today: Lipstick Jungle, the second of this season's shows focusing on friendships between powerful New York women, which premieres Feb. 7.
What's it about? Three powerful New York executives trying to balance their careers, families, and friendships.
Who's in it? Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price
The good: While Darren Star and Patricia Field went to Cashmere Mafia, Candace Bushnell stayed with this one, which is based on her book. And, in a way, Cashmere might be the best thing that ever happened to this show, because I found myself comparing Lipstick to Cashmere rather than to the gold standard of such shows, Sex and the City. Maybe it's because there was already a book to draw from, but the plot lines in the pilot seems less hurried than Cashmere's, and the characters seem a bit more fully formed. It's good to see Shields again, and Raver holds her own with a story line that could quickly become ridiculous.
The bad: The show doesn't seem fully committed to being a drama or a comedy. I was actually a bit taken aback by its seriousness; it made the few lighter moments feel awkward. The pilot has its share of broad, character-defining moments that seem improbable if not just silly (though to be fair, that's a problem with a lot of pilots). And the pilot has more misses than hits when it comes to hitting those "I would totally say that!" moments that SaTC did so well; for example, I can't believe that a woman being hit on by a young, hot guy would interrupt him to say "Do you know how old I am?"
Will I watch? I'll stick with it. A few of the ongoing plot lines seem intriguing, and I'm surprised at how much I like Brooke Shields in this role. Overall, based on the first two episodes of each show, I'd give Lipstick a slight edge over Cashmere, though both could still use a lot of work.
To check out a preview and a gallery of photos, just read more.
Photos courtesy of NBC
Nike
Pepe Jeans
Betsey Johnson
ever since i heard that the book was going to be made into a show - i was excited. i can't wait to see it and i'm doing the same thing - comparing it to Cashmere. i dont know yet if i like that show - but i'm really hoping that i'll love liptstick jungle. i can't wait - 3 more weeks and i'll see it!
1Lipstick Jungle appeals more to me than does Cashmere Mafia; looking forward to watching in February.
2I love Lindsay Price and Kim Raver. Not a huge Brooke Shield fan though. Still, I look forward to this one!
3Everybody is really expecting SATC 2 and that's just not going to happen. (Sigh.) But I'm more excited about Lipstick Jungle than Cashmere Mafia too. Not only because Candance Bushnell is involved (why not go directly to the source?), but because this is on NBC as opposed to ABC. I tend to like NBC shows much more than ABC for some reason. I can't really explain it.
4No desire to watch. I read 4 Blondes by Candace Bushnell, featuring one of the Lipstick Jungle character and it was just awful. I can't believe I actually finished it, awful.
5Lindsay Price is awesome. I have watched her on All My Children, 90210, and she was the best part of the horrible American version of Coupling. I don't really favor Brooke Shields though so I don't know if I'll watch.
6I can't wait for this show, I'm already in to Cashmere Mafia, but I'm hoping Lipstick Jungle is better I love the cast... If they could just move Bonnie from CM to LJ I'd be happy
7I love Kim Raver! I'd like to watch this
8I read the book (since I want to be the next Candace Bushnell) and am curious to see the show. Although Kim Raver really bugs me I'm going to give it a chance.
9i'm over the power-hungry girl tv shows. not for me.
10Why did they come out with two similar shows at the same time?
11I think both those shows have too much career crap.. I mean we all work all day.. do we really need to watch someone else work at night?? That's where SATC was classic.. it was more about Carrie's relationship with Big or Aiden, then her job at Vogue.. I mean when did she work? haha Never! It was lighter and funny and just relaxing.. These 2 new shows seem stuffy and pretentious and I mean its great to see woman work but they act like men.. it isn't sexy.. They need more personal scenes... more shopping or resturants or clubs.. thats fun!
12I just think any show on HBO or SHO is gonna be better,,
watch Californication.. with David Duchovany it has Charlottes bald husband in it. It's hysterical.. now that's great writing.. its coming back in a few months.. they are on break
Judging from the preview, Lipstick jungle just doesn't look as good as cashmere mafia is. Preview trailers are supposed to be make you all excited and they usually have all the best moments and one-liners but this had none of that!
13This sounds exactly like CM
14I've read the book, so I'm looking forward to this show.
I'm happy with who they cast for as Kirby Atwood! He's cute
15Looking forward to this show. Saw Brook Shields on Broadway in Chicago, and fell in love with her. And of course, her book and family situation. I'm excited to see her in this and the previews I saw look great.
16I think the casting is all wrong. I can't see Brooke Shields in this...
17is suppose it can't be worse than Cashmere Mafia.
18I'll definitely give it a try — probably more of a try than I would without the strike.
the show turns out not bad but great...lipstick jungle is a mid tone in clothing and more realistic in casting...there will be more surprise bec. the book has more surprises...and now it is a show...i am sure there will be another friend who did not make it to be successful... funny thing is...the book did show how these women looks back from their past.....first wendy is less glamorous among the three. vitory is the fun and fashionable. nico is the business minded fashionista. so all of them has different styles and character...and thats what makes friends friends for life. not everyone is the same..they have flaws and misses in life. love it
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