» » The L.A. Complex

The L.A. Complex Online

The L.A. Complex  Online
Original Title :
The L.A. Complex
Genre :
TV Series / Drama
Cast :
Jonathan Patrick Moore,Joe Dinicol,Cassie Steele
Type :
TV Series
Time :
1h
Rating :
7.1/10
The L.A. Complex Online

Full of new relationships, salacious temptations and make-it-or-break it decisions, the series' coming-of-age dwellers grapple with life's defining moments as they deal with the unreality of the show-biz industry.
Series cast summary:
Jonathan Patrick Moore Jonathan Patrick Moore - Connor Lake 19 episodes, 2012
Joe Dinicol Joe Dinicol - Nick Wagner 19 episodes, 2012
Cassie Steele Cassie Steele - Abby Vargas 19 episodes, 2012
Jewel Staite Jewel Staite - Raquel Westbrook 19 episodes, 2012
Andra Fuller Andra Fuller - Kaldrick King 18 episodes, 2012
Kristopher Turner Kristopher Turner - Cam 18 episodes, 2012
Jordan Johnson-Hinds Jordan Johnson-Hinds - Kevin 18 episodes, 2012
Ennis Esmer Ennis Esmer - Eddie Demir 16 episodes, 2012
Georgina Reilly Georgina Reilly - Sabrina Taylor-Reynolds / - 15 episodes, 2012
Dayle McLeod Dayle McLeod - Beth Pirelli 13 episodes, 2012
Michael Levinson Michael Levinson - Simon Pirelli 13 episodes, 2012
Rebecca Dalton Rebecca Dalton - Dita / - 13 episodes, 2012
Dayo Ade Dayo Ade - Dynasty 11 episodes, 2012
Benjamin Charles Watson Benjamin Charles Watson - Tariq Muhammad 10 episodes, 2012
Chelan Simmons Chelan Simmons - Alicia Lowe 8 episodes, 2012
Eugene Clark Eugene Clark - Walter Dougan 8 episodes, 2012
Ryan Belleville Ryan Belleville - Scott Cray 8 episodes, 2012
William 'Big Sleeps' Stewart William 'Big Sleeps' Stewart - Rook 8 episodes, 2012
Aaron Abrams Aaron Abrams - Ricky Lloyd / - 8 episodes, 2012
Christopher Stanton Christopher Stanton - Writer 1 8 episodes, 2012
Ryan V. Hays Ryan V. Hays - Writer 2 8 episodes, 2012

At least five of the actors on LA Complex have turned up on NBC's Blindspot. Jonathan Patrick Moore (Connor), Joe Dinocol (Nick), Jewel Staite (Raquel), Ennis Esmer (Eddie), and Aaron Abrams (Ricky Lloyd).


User reviews

Cells

Cells

The L.A. Complex follows the lives of twenty-somethings living in the same apartment complex in L.A (The Lux, inspired from the real life Highland Gardens). trying to make it as actors, dancers, producers and comedians. Relationships begin and end, the need to succeed is tested and all characters are pushed to their breaking points.

I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much out of the series at first. The premise (and title) seemed similar to the outlandish show Melrose Place. But, I was quite impressed. The Pilot well shot and was successful in creating an ideal mix of wit, drama and scandal with an excellent pace(and a good cliff hanger). And more importantly (to me at least) the characters were likable. Raquel (played by the great Jewel Staite) was probably my favourite character as the street-smart veteran of the Hollywood scene, followed closely by Abby (played by Cassie Steele) who shines as an endearing aspiring actress. The rest of the cast/characters was also quite good (although I wasn't a huge fan of Nick despite the charming Joe Dinicol) What truly surprised me about the show was the great amount of realism infused. Produced by the makers of the Degrassi franchise (hailed as being one the most realistic teenage dramas) it was probably inevitable that the characters career struggles are true and quite representative of those in L.A.

Overall it's a slick project that allows viewers to experience vicariously the economic and emotional decisions of these wonderful characters. I know I'll be tuning in next week.

My only great complaint: 6 episodes? REALLY?
Mave

Mave

First of all, the score on here is STUPID. A bunch of trolls have given horrible ratings, most likely without even watching the show. The same thing has happened with another Canadian show, Bomb Girls. It doesn't make sense to me why people, especially Canadians, would sabotage the score of a home-grown show when it's hard enough as it is to find quality Canadian programming.

Anyways, the show itself is quite good, especially considering the limitations of a Canadian budget. The actors are fresh-faced and capable, and the writing is often funny. The dialogue flows well, and is tightly composed overall. While the set-up for the show isn't very original, it's still much less explored than hospital or cop shows. Overall, it's surprisingly good for a Canadian show and is an enjoyable little piece of TV. Hopefully people who actually watch it will start to vote up the score!
Vivados

Vivados

I am dumb founded at how this was rated below 10/10 ( it really is a 12/10). It was truly captivating and it had so many elements that made me want to watch more. I love it! i really do hope they bring this to the UK, because it is truly something that people can relate to. All the actors are amazing and lovable in there own way. I enjoyed the boldness that director had to address the stigma of homosexuality but the also the stigma of homosexuality in the Afro/Black community. The different emotions that were acted out were simply executed in a highly skilled manner. It showed the different routes that people take to find success, and the different sacrifices that they had to give up in order for them to gain there success. it is clear that a lot of thought went into the different characters and the way they are interrelated extremely entertaining. but yeah keep them coming!
Impala Frozen

Impala Frozen

SO FREAKING GOOD!!!!!!

I must admit that when I first read about this show, I was afraid it would be a bad combo of Melrose Place and silly teen shows like Gossip Girl, but it is so much more than that. The characters are deep and the story lines are really well developed. It's rare that a show gets me so involved with only 6 episodes, but I'm having anxiety attacks about going without it for so many months...

All the characters are great and, unlike so many other cheesy shows, there aren't good guys and villains. They all have good and bad to them, like real people, and even though my life doesn't resemble theirs at all I can still relate to them. I'm completely in love with Tariq and Kaldrick, best storyline I've seen in a while and the actors are pretty amazing.

The only problem with this show is that it might not get more episodes and we might not find out what becomes of such amazing characters and story lines. I really hope they make more episode or I'll be really frustrated.

Definitely worth watching!!!
Kefrannan

Kefrannan

So I first started out thinking wow this show is going to suck.. It's just CW realizing they messed up by canceling melrose place last year and now they want to make it up. But then after doing some research i realized that it's a Canadian show..but It's is still Melrose place 2.5. From the set that is Slightly altered to look Not like melrose place but yet it still looks just like it. Including the swimming pool right in the middle of the complex.. I actually think it's the same set..just with some added levels to make it look bigger. How ever this has nothing to do with the show.. The show is AWESEOMe , it is one of the best 20-30 something adult show i have seen in a long time. It is actually the most realistic in my opinion then any others out there. I can relate to almost all of the characters in some manor. And I actually know people in my own life living in some of these situations in L.A. THis show also does some ground breaking TV. * shedding light on The DL homosexuality that takes place in the hop/hop and rap world. this has never been down on TV and if so it has never been done in the fashion this show does it. * breaking into the porn industry it was an interesting take that they actually when as far as they did with showing the behind the scenes of the studio instead of just saying the character made a porn video. it actually shed more of a positive light on it. I"m sure the repercussions of this will come but for now i love it.

I'm glad that it has been picked up for more episodes. And i hope CW does right by it and keeps it coming..Because it is an excellent show even if it really is just melrose place with a new title.
Wrathmaster

Wrathmaster

When I saw the premise of this show, I was ready to dismiss it and never look back. Somehow I watched the first episode and immediately fell in love.

L.A.Complex is not about rich and beautiful people living a meaningless life, it is about young people struggling and finding their place in the world. I have never lived in L.A. so I cannot talk from my experience, but this show feels real.

The characters are quite deep and interesting. Give this a chance, it is one of the better shows, in fact, this is my favorite show at the moment.
Musical Aura Island

Musical Aura Island

Currently on IMDb, the L.A. Complex holds 3.8/10 stars. Which is absolutely ludicrous.

The only way I can imagine it having this rating is a bunch of people that, without actually watching an episode, saw the premise (which makes you think of Melrose Place) and automatically dismissed it as trash. However the distinction people seem to miss is that the characters here aren't rich and glamorous. They're dreamers (living in a shabby Complex "the Lux") who work hard at their craft and struggle with money. In fact one of the characters has to resort to living in her car.

Also, it's a lot more realistic than Melrose Place (something I was surprised by)

At first, I didn't see much potential. But the pilot was captivating, making the characters likable and not just simple clichés. It was zany and dramatic, with good direction and writing from Martin Gero (Bored to Death, Stargate) and some generally good acting ranging from mediocre to pretty great (i.e. Jewel Staite). Somebody said "the pilot bursts with energy". And I could not agree more. The pace and rhythm was excellent for a first episode and I can't wait to see more.

I can't really say too much about the characters so far. I almost instantly liked Abby, Alicia, Raquel and Connor. Nick is a tad too dumb but not a total waste and Tariq is unfortunately flat (so far).

It's no award winner (Teen Choice, sure .. Prime time Emmy, no). But it is surprisingly refreshing and top shelf for what it is.
Querlaca

Querlaca

I must admit I didn't even know about this show until after the 3rd or 4th episode had already aired. One of my Facebook friends had posted a video. I watched the video and I was instantly hooked. I don't even remember what my initial response was but I knew I had fallen in love. I'm glad that I came across that video. I would, if I could remember who posted it, thank them for turning me onto a really phenomenal show. The cast is amazing and the story lines keep you glued to the screen, afraid to turn the channel for fear that you would miss something. I'm asking all who will read this review to please, Please, Please, check out the show and vote. Also check out the Facebook page and Twitter profile. Just search for The L.A. Complex on either social network. We need more fans and reviews!!!!! For all who watch the show prepare to be amused and never bored!!!!!! :). S/O to all the cast members and production staff for giving the world an awesome show.
Nern

Nern

I will admit, the only reason why I started watching this show was because of Jewel Staite, and wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was made.

The show follows the lives of a group of friends as they try to make it in LA. This isn't an entirely new concept, but what sets this show apart is how all of the characters are very believable. It's a hard industry that's hard on the people trying to earn a living off of it, and this show shows that side of the story.

Fair warning, this show seems to be made for people who have made parts of their lives a part of the industry. If you're an actor, improviser, singer, comedian, producer, or ever tried making a career somewhere along that path, you will completely relate with all the characters as they struggle for their "break." If not, it's still a decent watch, but it may not hit as hard.
Goldendragon

Goldendragon

I'll admit when I saw the preview for this show originally I was like oh goodness another try at Melrose Place but with a different name. But as an avid CW lover I decided to give it a try and I fell in LOVE with it. First off it has my favorite Degrassi alum in it Cassie Steele. All of there characters are a mess but you can't help but hope they find their way. Abby and Nick don't seem to be a likely couple but as you watch them you start to root for them and hope they will find their way together. I will admit I had great hope for Connor at first but so far I haven't really grown to love his character, but I do look forward to next season to see what he will get into. Raquel is a hot mess who doesn't see the amazing guy in front of her because she is to worried about being famous. Sometimes I hope she gets what she deserves (aka a butt kicking) but then other times I hope she finds true love.
Shistus

Shistus

I loved every minute of the show so far! Can't wait to see next one!

Why are there only 6 episodes? It follows the Adventures of Actors, dancers etc living in a place called the Complex, and all trying to make it in LA. My favorite characters are Abby, Alicia, and of course the cute comedian guy. Love the raw nature of the show.and it helps that everyone is easy on the eyes! I wanna see more dancing!!! ..and singing...it just wasn't enough! Can they do full performance numbers???

It looks very American style the way it has been filmed. I love that for a Canadian show. I hope they keep developing the characters...and add new ones in as well. I'd love to see other dancers...they add so much sex appeal. And it's popular now!

Love these co-pro productions that provide great work for Actors and everyone on both sides of border!

Can't believe the rating is low on here...It's better than a lot of the others soapy drama's!
Lianeni

Lianeni

I am so glad that this came to the U.S!!!! This will definitely be my favorite show this summer without a doubt!!!! Although I am not a big fan of the CW, they seem to always get one show that I will be caught onto, haha! First was definitely Smallville, and although this show is different in almost every aspect, the chemistry and acting between the characters is 10/10! Terrific! And I have no doubt that the hardships portrayed in the show, is what many aspiring in the fame industry endure in reality. Great job! Just please make the other 7 episodes! AND DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT CANCELING IT!.... please..... and Thank you, haha :)
godlike

godlike

I thought it was a great start to this show. When I first started watching it, I immediately thought it was another Melrose Place remake. Fortunately, I was wrong. It was edgy, funny and awkward all at once. Cassie Steele does a great Abby. I definitely see bits of Manny from Degrassi in her character. It would have been cool if she had actually been the same person but I guess they would have had a lot of pieces to fill in. I like most of the characters. They try to let you see how they tick, bring you into why they are the way they are. The only person I don't feel a connection with is Nick.. I think their stories are unique and not ones you typically would find in this type of show. Showing you why someone would join the porn industry, what would cause someone to hurt themselves on purpose or how it would be if you were homosexual in an industry like the rap business. They could really push the envelope with this show. I know the ratings aren't great but I don't think they hyped this show very much. I'd never heard of it until right before it came on. I hope they give it a chance before cancelling it!
SoSok

SoSok

When I first heard about this I dreaded the cheesy drama of Degrassi combined with 90210. HOWEVER! I was immediately hooked after the first 5 minutes and was surprised at how well written and put together it was! The characters are REFRESHING and explore story lines that haven't been done before and are approached in great ways. The development through the first 6 episodes is satisfying and still leaves questions to be asked. I'm just amazed at how great the story lines are, totally caught me off guard.

The characters are immediately likable, relateable, and you will fall in love with these "real" personalities. By far, Tariq and Kaldrick are the best characters. Here's to hoping we get to see much more of the L.A Complex and new episodes! Definitely worth watching!!!
Windforge

Windforge

Coming late to review as I came late to "The L.A Complex". Last Tuesday night I was channel surfing and hit upon it at 9 p.m. It caught my fancy with its realistic depiction of likable youths wanting to become entertainment successes. Made a point to watch last night and will be there for the "season ending" next week.

I've enjoyed the depiction of all the relationships. It's a plus that the central characters have good sexual appeal as well as the ability to portray their situations, good or bad. These are people who've earned your interest in what will become of them in their struggle to become stars.

It's a treat to see a genuine show about real people. Talented cast and excellent treatment of Hollywood situations. Hope it continues!
Moogugore

Moogugore

Follows young wannabes around as they struggle to "make it". I wasn't expecting much, but found the whole thing oddly engrossing. Only knew of Jewel Staite from her previous work in Firefly and SG Atlantis stuff, but liked her in those, so i gave it a go. All the actors do a good job, inter-relationships are setup quite quickly and draws you into the story very well. But then again, there appears to be a fair amount of cleavage and lithe young bodies in the episodes I've seen so far, which although intergral(ish) to the story, does make me think its appeal may be slightly elevated by the contents of my pants. This is primarily achieved with the use of Chelan Simmons(who was in the V funny "Tucker and Dale vs Evil".....as a dancer who works part-time as lapdancer. LOL. On behalf of hot-blooded males. Dear writers, Thanks for that. But seriously, the stories and characters are good. I hope the they do well, I think it deserves a decent run. So far so good.
HeonIc

HeonIc

I admit, when I first happened upon this show late in this season, I rolled my eyes because it was so cliché about all the bad stuff that happens in LA to actors. BUT, then I realized, it's cliché because it is true! I lived in LA for 17 years and saw most of these story lines actually happen. PLEASE pick it up for Season 3!!!! I am pleased with they way they handled the Finale! Again, I have witnessed these stories, these characters, first hand during my own time in LA. I hope they continue and I hope more people start watching this show. Where most of the reality shows now are pushing the sob story for ratings, the LA COMPLEX just shows them as they happen. Kudos to the cast and crew and writers. AND, though I know it's filmed in Canada, good location shoots!!!
Aria

Aria

Like so many shows from Canada the acting is amazing!! The story lines are so different from a lot of other show. When I first read about this I didn't hope for much, 20 somethings trying to become famous??!!! AGAIN! But I was so surprised it was completely different to anything anyone has tried to do with this sort of scenario... The stories were more risqué, and not at all clichéd. It was definitely one of those shows that you can marathon and not get bored with. I am not really sure how the ratings are so low on here, and there are a lot of blogs saying it's not worth a season three, but I definitely disagree. The bottom line is it definitely works. I'm not much for spoilers so all I'll say is watch it, and please give us a season 3. Canadians sure know how to do TV!
Jode

Jode

The show basically is what the Melrose Place remake should have been. It takes a less glamorized approach (nobody is wearing fancy dresses and lives in big apartments although they are supposed to be broke) in depicting the life of a group of 20-somethings and how they want to make it big in Hollywood. The drama here is more 'real' and honest, less soapy altogether. It still is, of course, an entertaining, escapist kind of show and does not mean to depict reality. The show is well written and the characters are more than the usual stereotypes like 'mean girl', 'nerdy director' and 'naive, new girl'. The actors range from decent to pretty good. Altogether it takes a less PC approach in regards to certain 'issues' (alcohol, sex, stripping, drugs ...) and thus comes across as more 'natural' and doesn't try so hard to create fake drama.

It has the perfect mix of down and dirty, fun and wild without trying too hard to be scandalous or hip, sexy and cool.
Lavivan

Lavivan

I was stuck once I first saw the first episode of "THE L.A.COMPLEX"! I just love it so much! It gives a hint of how it is in real life as an unknown actor/actress or for anyone trying to be successful in the show-business. It's not too much, and It's not that low budget feeling you often get by watching a show on MTV.

You get to follow all these young adults with different needs and different dreams. But they all have one thing in common. They want to become successful in some sort of way (as an actor, comedian, dancer etc.) It's a love story with both up and downs, and their life is a roller coaster. They don't know if they will be able to pay the rent or get enough money to get actually buy food. It's the real life, no joke!

I recommend this series for all teenagers that has or want something to do with the show-business! Because YOU'll get a hint of how hard it is, and how hard you must work to get to a save spot!
Konetav

Konetav

The acting is very good. So is the writing. The story is compelling too. Its characters are well developed. A big drawback for me is that it always seems to go too far in the violence and nastiness. The characters will do anything to get ahead. They think nothing of stepping on their so called friends, routinely lie, even hurting their best friends if it will advance their appearance to the public. Maybe that is what LA is really like or maybe this is just the Hollywood version. Hospitals are not really like Gray's anatomy and funeral homes don't have nearly the drama that Six Feet Under had. Still, the show would be better if they pulled it back just a bit.
Xava

Xava

Excellent series. Speaking of the unspoken. At first I wanted to turn away but it kept me captivated to the point I couldn't stop watching and binged on it til the end. I hope it will return with the outcome of Shawn(kaldrick)'s words spoken.
Wire

Wire

Well what can I say, I spent a painful few hours watching this show and it is dreadful. I am not one for harsh criticism if it's not warranted but in this case they will be getting it both barrels. OMG!!! this show is bad I have made it a rule never to judge a show based on 1 episode, I feel that's unfair, it would be like going to a restaurant and have 2 nice courses and the 3rd course lets it down and you decided never to eat there again, at least go back and give it a second chance to get it right, well that's what I did with this show. Episode one started a little poor, with what seemed to be soulless characters, they had no depth, flair or colour it was very plain, dull and predictable. That said I decided to try episode two. I accepted that episode one may have just been to try and get the audience to understand characters, and what's going on, setting the scene etc. In episode two I found myself strangely intrigued and more interested with the show, that said it was very predictable but it led me to episode 3 .Oh dear, let's say within the first 15-20 minutes of episode 3 I knew what was coming and how it would arrive. It was very very predicable and I felt cheap and let down. I felt I had been used for about 45 minutes :) OK I decided to push on and watch the remaining 3 episodes to see if I was correct and would you believe it I saw everything coming except one thing, there was only one part to the show that was not predicable but by then it was to late for me the show was over, job done, wham bam no thank you ma'am

WARNING SPOILERS IF YOU READ ON.....

So why have I given this show such a poor rating and a hard time. First of this to me is a cheap and tacky knock off of Entourage, what a fantastic show that was and I was sad to see it go after so many years. OK some may disagree this show is nothing like Entourage as Entourage was based around 1 guy and his crew trying to make it in Hollywood as a movie star, The LA Complex is about lots of people living in a rundown cheap complex trying to make it as TV starts. It had the usual, the good looking guys who has just been picked up for a TV pilot and is just moving out the complete as he can buy a place now (Sorry Jonathan Patrick Moore your acting is bad), it also had the token geek who gets the girl, The blond babe with big breasts who ends up doing porn and finally the token black guy, who turns out to be gay which took me by surprise and was the only part I did not predict in this TV show.

I could go on about how bad the acting is, maybe it's not the actors faults but a badly written show. If they moved it to what I would call a prime time channel in the US like CW or one of the other big networks and throw some money at the show I believe it could be a lot better but needs a lot of work.

I am sure people may disagree with my assessment of the show but this is just my own humble opinion and this type of show should have been my cup of Joe but unfortunately with the bad acting, poor story line and overall cheap and tacky rip off feel from Entourage it is unlikely I would watch a season 2 in its current state.
Ochach

Ochach

I agree, many of the negative postings which led to this score seem as though the raters were shallow and unable to appreciate the introspective view the show gives into, not only in 20 year old somethings in Hollywood, behind the closed doors of complicated relationships and how we /others make it through them. I think the show not only gives an introspective look at how people hold onto the way they're seen by others as more important than what's good for them. I believe the show makes you look back into your past or maybe your present and forces you to empathize with certain characters. You begin to learn that sometimes we may be guilty for our own situations by failing to let someone help us, or by holding onto a self-depreciating attitude, and how easily it is to be blinded by our pride.

Overall, I think L.A. Complex stands above your ordinary 20's something drama and screams out to be watched by those who lived a life searching for who they were at one time or another. The cinematography is way better than any other TV show I've seen, and has a very Indy made feel with 2 amazing house bands that are too little known, if you ask me. So regardless, check out Whale tooth.
Lyrtois

Lyrtois

The show stands out big time. There are no dull or cliché moments. It also has a unique gay relationship story that goes against all gay role stereotypes on TV. I don't know why LOGO is not grabbing LA Complex instead of wasting its resources on some weak stereotypical and predictable shows like DTLA. BET could also step in here since a black character on LA Complex has the craziest storyline... However, both networks, BET and LOGO, are owned by Viacom which is known to ruin shows(i.e. The Game became very dull once BET started producing it) The only problem with LA Complex, is that it had a terrible publicity in the US. It's CW promo trailers made it look very generic and shallow, when in actuality this show deals with very emotional psychological conflicts of each character. The fact that the show is Canadian is both good and bad. The bad: it's actors do not get a any publicity in the states, making the show less known to US audience. At the same time, by being a Canadian production, everyone involved has a different mindset about the subject matters in the show. Since LA Complex was made for Canadian TV, I think its production had less control over the writing and acting, which i think contributed to its distinct moments in the first 2 seasons(i.e. closeted homosexuality in show business, depression, and even incest). Whatever the reason is, it is different, well written, and acting is on the same level as some of the HBO dramas, rather than a CW show. It soooo needs to come back for a 3rd season most definitely! The show gets better and more twisted through both first 2 seasons. If you like HBO shows, you will like LA Complex. If you never seen it, then go to Hulu and start watching while it's available for free...