So i randomly caught the pilot episode of this while surfing around on Youtube and followed up with the other remaining episodes just to see what all the hype was and possibly deteremine why this show got cancelled. After watching a few episodes I really didn't see much difference from any of the other CW teen/young adult dramas like 90210, Gossip Girl, and Melrose. Bare in mind that I haven't really seen much of those other shows but from what I have seen they are all very formalic and simliar in overall content and context. The idea of The Beautiful Life is still an interesting one though with its setting in NY and the Fashion World, and could really lead to some interesting story lines and overall television. I wont comment on the overall performances or characters within the show but will say that they are done well and underapreciated by many of the shows critics. However, this show is ultimately flawed in its being structured for CW audiences and having to stick within the guidelines of a TV14 rated network. CW already has its pick of dramas from those mentioned above and another such as TBL was overkill to an extent and with its similarities between GG being in NY and all it was setup to fail based upon comparison alone.
With its premise of the aspiring models trying to make it in NY's Fashion World the show could have been the NY version of Entourage if done correctly. Throw in some more adult sexual situations and occasionally nudity, more fashion celeb cameos, and overall sexiness whle focusing on the NY setting and fashion world/nightlife and the story lines become compelling. I don't know that using the original cast of the show and just throwing it on another network would have worked but the overall premise and concept for the show would really work better in a more adult oriented setting. Unfortunately it appears that wont be the case, which is unfortunate because the potential was there.
