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So Notorious
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So Notorious
Also known asSo NoTORIous
GenreSitcom
Created by
Written by
  • Chris Alberghini
  • Sharon Bordas
  • Mike Chessler
  • Damon Hill
Directed by
Starring
  • Tori Spelling
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Erin O'Malley
  • Shawn Wilt
Production locationsLos Angeles, California
Running time30 minutes
Original release
NetworkVH1
ReleaseApril 2 (2006-04-02) –
May 14, 2006 (2006-05-14)

So Notorious, sometimes stylized So NoTORIous, is an American sitcom starring — and loosely based on the life of — actress Tori Spelling. The series debuted on VH1 on April 2, 2006, and despite lasting only ten episodes, received positive reviews from critics.[1]

Premise

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The series follows the actress as she tries to downplay the fact that she is the daughter of Aaron Spelling (his name is rarely mentioned in series; he is referred to by Tori as "Daddy" and taking a cue from Charlie's Angels is only heard off-camera). Despite the fact that her father is very wealthy, Tori tries to prove that she just wants people to like her for herself and take her seriously.

Along with Tori the show features her close friends Pete (James Carpinello), a roommate who shares Tori's condo and has a habit of bringing women to the place every night by bragging about Tori being his roommate; Janey (Brennan Hesser), a real estate agent with a habit for being nosy and ambitious; and Sasan (Zachary Quinto), an openly bisexual (except to his parents) Iranian-American who tends to be critical at times, hoping it will knock a little sense into Tori. She is also seen carrying around her overweight pug Mimi LaRue, who is frequently dressed in tacky designer clothes.

In addition, Tori also has to deal with her self-absorbed mother Candy "KiKi" Spelling, whose history of how Tori was raised and why she treats her daughter as if she doesn't exist may explain why Tori acts like she does; Margaret (Cleo King), the nanny who raised Tori and is more motherly to her than KiKi; and Ruthie Rose, her frenetic, doting, and not-so-reliable manager.

Cast

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Episodes

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No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Plucky"Peter LauerUnknownApril 2, 2006 (2006-04-02)
Tori crushes on a gaffer named Scott (Joe Manganiello) on the set of her latest made-for-TV movie. She throws a party at her condo as a way to get to know Scott off-set, but the perfectly planned event goes awry when Pete invites a pair of potential one-night-stands, next-door neighbor Farrah Fawcett asks for a baked potato and Sasan's mother arrives wearing something of Tori's that KiKi sold on eBay.
2"Whole"Christopher LeitchMike Chessler & Chris AlberghiniApril 2, 2006 (2006-04-02)
Tori's first date with Scott at The Improv becomes a nightmare when the headlining comedian Lisa Lampanelli pokes fun at Tori after seeing a tabloid picture of her taken earlier in the week. Scott later reveals that he has joined a Scientology-esque denomination called "Wholeness" and encourages Tori and her friends to check it out.
3"Street"Jim FallSharon Bordas & Damon Hill & Jessica KaminskyApril 9, 2006 (2006-04-09)
Desperate for a role in an upcoming drama about a prostitute, Tori goes to the Pleasure Chest sex shop to buy sexy clothes and props for a self-made audition tape. She escapes the store to avoid a former TV co-star but loses her Blackberry in the process. Now someone has it and is using it to taunt Tori, resulting in an all-night hunt to track down the phone-stalker.
4"Accommodating"Jim FallUnknownApril 16, 2006 (2006-04-16)
Tori is annoyed by the constant disrespect she gets from roommate Pete's new girlfriend, but Tori is too threatened by confrontation to talk to Pete about it and instead tries to find other places to stay.
5"Jealous"Chris AlberghiniUnknownApril 23, 2006 (2006-04-23)
Tori starts dating a plastic surgeon named Carter, but KiKi starts spending a lot of time with him.
6"Cursed"Mike ChesslerMike Chessler & Chris AlberghiniApril 23, 2006 (2006-04-23)
After a streak of what seems to be bad luck, Tori goes to a Santería priestess named Mama Belle (Whoopi Goldberg).
7"Relaxed"Mike ChesslerSharon Bordas & Damon HillApril 30, 2006 (2006-04-30)
After getting into an argument with her friends, Tori runs into Farrah Fawcett's masseur Howard (Michael James Reed), who suggests that she buy them massages to patch things up — but Howard's gossipy ways only make things worse.
8"Charitable"Charles Herman-WurmfeldMike Chessler & Chris AlberghiniMay 7, 2006 (2006-05-07)
Tori becomes the mentor of a teenage girl named Tina (Emma Bates), who soon convinces Tori and KiKi to throw her a quinceañera at the mansion, with surprising results.
9"Soulful"Rusty CundieffUnknownMay 14, 2006 (2006-05-14)
Tori's plans to spend Mother's Day with Nan at her church are impacted when KiKi comes along after her cruise to Mexico is cut short.
10"Canadian"UnknownUnknownJune 1, 2006 (2006-06-01)
Fed up with fashion sizes that do not fit Mimi LaRue, Tori decides to launch a dog clothing line with assistance from Sasan. But when she gets a role in a low-budget Canadian film she takes Sasan and Pete along, hoping to work on the venture with Sasan during the trip, but the complicated shoot makes this impossible.
This episode aired on LOGO rather than VH1. It is not available for purchase on iTunes or Amazon Video but is included as an additional feature on the DVD release So NoTORIous: The Complete Series.

Critical response

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The show received positive notices from critics. The New York Post said that the show was a "very witty, sometimes brilliantly insightful hybrid sitcom".[2]

The Hollywood Reporter called the show "considerably more ambitious than a lot of other sitcoms" and said that "It's easy to dismiss this as another attempt by Spelling to prove that her talent goes beyond her last name, but there's more to it than that. She creates an appealing character despite all the preconceptions, many of which are acknowledged and dispensed with in the first few scenes."[3] The Los Angeles Times conceded that "while this sort of thing has been done before – it has been done here exceedingly well."[4] The Chicago Tribune began their review with "there are people in the world who'll never watch anything that stars Tori Spelling. Their loss." The review went on to praise the show; admitting that "Spelling’s surprisingly good VH1 series, is a not-at-all-guilty pleasure. It has more than its share of amusing moments, and it also has a surprising amount of heart."[5] The Detroit Free Press called the show "a sassy, classy winner".[citation needed]

The show was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2007 GLAAD Media Awards.[6]

Additional information

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Created by Chris Alberghini, Mike Chessler and Tori Spelling, the series was produced by NBC Universal Television. It was originally intended for the NBC network, but when they passed on the completed pilot episode the producers sought another outlet and eventually landed a deal with VH1. Paramount Home Entertainment issued the November 21, 2006 DVD release So NoTORIous: The Complete Series.

Although the first nine episodes aired on VH1, the "Canadian" episode was broadcast on its sister network LOGO on June 1, 2006. This episode is not available for purchase on iTunes or Amazon Video, but is included as an additional feature on the 2006 DVD release.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
So NoTORIous is an American sitcom television series created by and starring , which premiered on on April 2, 2006. The show presents a satirical, self-deprecating portrayal of Spelling's life as a Hollywood actress struggling to establish an independent career beyond the shadow of her father, producer , while dealing with eccentric friends, family, and romantic mishaps. Loosely inspired by her real experiences, it blends elements of and scripted to humorously explore themes like , , and personal insecurities. The series ran for a single season of ten episodes in 2006, with the first nine airing on from April 2 to May 14 and the tenth on on June 1. Key supporting cast included as Spelling's neglectful mother, alongside , , and in recurring roles. Notable guest stars featured and , adding to the show's Hollywood flavor. Produced by , it was released on DVD as a complete series set in November 2006 containing the first seven episodes with a total runtime of approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. Critically, So NoTORIous earned praise for Spelling's comedic timing and the series' witty take on fame, achieving an 81% approval rating on based on 16 reviews. It also holds a 7.3 out of 10 rating on from user votes. The show received a nomination for the 2007 for Outstanding Comedy Series, recognizing its inclusive humor. Despite this acclaim, low viewership led to its cancellation after one season, though it has since gained a for its bold, autobiographical style.

Development and production

Concept and creation

So Notorious, sometimes stylized as So NoTORIous, is an American sitcom created by Chris Alberghini, Mike Chessler, and Tori Spelling in 2005. The series was initially developed as a pilot titled Notorious (also known as the Untitled Tori Spelling Project) for NBC, with a greenlight to produce the pilot issued in February 2005 by NBC Universal Television Studio. Spelling starred in and co-executive produced the project alongside creators Alberghini and Chessler, who were known for their work on the sitcom Whoopi. The concept originated as a loosely autobiographical comedy drawing from Spelling's real-life experiences as the daughter of television producer , focusing on her attempts to navigate a "normal" life amid her tabloid-fueled image as a Hollywood "un-celebrity." It parodied her public persona through self-deprecating humor, exaggerating elements of her pre-marriage celebrity lifestyle, family dynamics, and dating mishaps, with flashbacks incorporating Hollywood . After NBC passed on the pilot intended for a fall 2005 lineup, VH1 acquired the project in August 2005, retitling it So Notorious and ordering 10 episodes as the network's first scripted series. Key creative decisions included adopting a single-camera format without a laugh track, inspired by shows like and , to emphasize its mockumentary-style parody of Spelling's notoriety. Executive producers Erin O'Malley and Shawn Wilt joined the team, overseeing production in for an 2006 premiere on VH1. The series capitalized on Spelling's tabloid presence to deliver satirical takes on fame, with the pilot episode centering on her personal relationships and family quirks.

Casting

Tori Spelling was cast in the lead role as a fictionalized version of herself, drawing from her real-life persona as the daughter of television producer to anchor the show's semi-autobiographical premise. Lacking prior experience in sitcoms after her dramatic roles on and in films like Trick and , Spelling's involvement as an helped tailor the character to her strengths in self-deprecating humor. James Carpinello was selected to portray Pete, Tori's loyal friend and roommate, contributing to the ensemble's comedic buddy dynamic. Brennan Hesser was cast as Janey, the sarcastic best friend, bringing improvisational energy to support the show's witty dialogue. , before gaining fame as in the reboot, was chosen for the role of , Tori's flamboyant , leveraging his ability to blend dramatic intensity with comedic exaggeration. Cleo King played Margaret, the no-nonsense nanny, selected for her commanding presence that contrasted humorously with the chaotic household. The audition process featured chemistry reads with to foster natural interactions among the principal cast, ensuring alignment with the series' satirical tone. Guest stars including and were brought on after the pilot episode, enhancing the celebrity parody elements.

Filming locations and crew

The series So Notorious was filmed primarily in , , during early 2006. It employed a typical of many contemporary sitcoms, allowing for flexible shooting and a more cinematic feel compared to multi-camera formats. The production adhered to a tight timeline to deliver all 10 episodes for the April 2, 2006, premiere on , with wrapping shortly before airdate. Key crew members included cinematographer Bill Sheehy, who handled visuals for multiple episodes. Directors varied across the season, with notable contributions from and , each helming at least one episode to maintain the show's satirical tone.

Premise and characters

Premise

So NoTORIous is a semi-autobiographical centered on portraying a fictionalized version of herself as a struggling actress in Hollywood, perpetually overshadowed by the immense legacy of her father, television producer . The series draws loosely from Spelling's real-life challenges in establishing an independent career beyond her early role on , presenting her character's ongoing battle against perceptions of and superficial fame. At its core, the show explores themes of seeking independence and authenticity in the cutthroat, image-obsessed world of , combining with fish-out-of-water humor as the navigates personal and professional hurdles. Episodes emphasize her determination to prove her talent amid constant reminders of her privileged background, highlighting the absurdities of life through witty, self-deprecating scenarios. Set primarily in , including a modest condo and visits to the opulent family mansion, the narrative underscores everyday mishaps like botched auditions, attempts at social climbing, and tangled family interactions that underscore her isolation in the industry. The light-hearted satirical tone pokes fun at celebrity culture's excesses, with each installment revolving around the lead's impulsive schemes that lead to comedic setbacks and moments of reflection. Formatted as a single-camera comedy without a laugh track, the episodes run approximately 22 minutes each, designed for cable television broadcast to deliver punchy, relatable commentary on fame's double-edged sword.

Main cast and characters

The main cast of So NoTORIous features in the lead role as a fictionalized version of herself, portraying an aspiring actress grappling with the stigma of from her famous father's legacy and her own personal insecurities, which form the emotional core of the series' narrative. This self-deprecating protagonist drives the story through her attempts to navigate Hollywood's superficial world, often leading to comedic mishaps that highlight her status. James Carpinello plays Pete, Tori's laid-back roommate and close confidant, whose optimistic and slacker demeanor offers consistent support while injecting into the group's dynamics. As the reliable anchor in Tori's chaotic life, Pete's easygoing nature contrasts with the high-stakes Hollywood environment, facilitating humorous resolutions to her dilemmas. Brennan Hesser portrays Janey, Tori's witty and cynical best friend, who delivers blunt, unfiltered commentary on Tori's delusions and poor decisions, grounding the narrative with sharp realism. Janey's loudmouth personality propels key plot points by challenging Tori's , fostering character growth amid the show's satirical take on fame. Zachary Quinto embodies , an eccentric publicist and Tori's flamboyant best friend obsessed with , bringing high-energy flair and biting wit to the ensemble. As a haughty, bisexual Iranian-American character, enhances the group's interactions with his fame-driven antics and candid critiques, amplifying the series' exploration of Hollywood excess. Jeannetta Arnette plays Ruthie Rose, Tori's enthusiastic but somewhat inept manager, who often schemes to advance her career with mixed results. Cleo King appears as Margaret, the stern yet beloved family nanny who provides and practical wisdom, serving as a maternal figure who connects Tori to her roots. Margaret's sassy, no-nonsense advice drives pivotal moments of reflection and humor, balancing the show's lighter tones with heartfelt guidance. In a recurring role, Loni Anderson plays Kiki, Tori's self-absorbed mother and a perfectionist Beverly Hills embodying Hollywood's indulgent elite, whose demanding presence heightens family tensions. Kiki's scrutinizing influence propels subplots involving Tori's identity struggles, underscoring themes of legacy and independence.

Recurring and guest appearances

One of the recurring elements in So NoTORIous was Mimi LaRue, Tori Spelling's real-life , who appeared as herself across multiple episodes, often outfitted in elaborate costumes to serve as a humorous prop underscoring the show's of celebrity indulgence. The series featured several notable guest stars who amplified its parody of Hollywood culture. guest-starred as the voodoo priestess MaMa Belle in the episode "Cursed," bringing an over-the-top supernatural flair that poked fun at celebrity superstitions and spiritual fads. appeared as herself in "Plucky," appearing as the celebrity dating a crew member on Tori's set whom Tori attempts to befriend in order to pursue a romantic interest. These celebrity cameos were integrated to mock the intricacies of Hollywood networking and interpersonal dynamics among stars, with appearances like Fawcett's in the first episode and Goldberg's in the sixth providing mid-season momentum to the single-season run. Guests such as Goldberg enhanced the series' meta-humor by leveraging their established personas to exaggerate real-life celebrity quirks, contributing to its sharp, self-aware tone.

Broadcast and episodes

Airing schedule and network details

So Notorious premiered on on April 2, 2006, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back on that at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Subsequent episodes aired weekly on Sundays primarily at 10:00 PM ET/PT, with the first nine episodes broadcast on through May 14, 2006. The series was produced by Universal Television for as its first original scripted comedy. The tenth and final episode, titled "Canadian," did not air on due to scheduling constraints and instead premiered on VH1's sister network on June 1, 2006, at 8:30 PM ET/PT. Internationally, the show received airings on various channels, including in where it was broadcast starting in July 2006. positioned So Notorious as part of its strategy to draw younger viewers interested in pop culture and celebrity following the network's success with formats. Despite positive critical reception, the series struggled with viewership, averaging under 1 million total viewers per episode, which contributed to its cancellation after one in June 2006. The low ratings were cited by network executives as a key factor in the decision not to renew, marking a brief foray into scripted programming for at the time.

Episode summaries and production notes

The series produced 10 episodes as a single-camera half-hour , each featuring self-contained comedic stories that explore Tori Spelling's fictionalized struggles in Hollywood while attempting to forge an independent path beyond her father's influence. The pilot was initially developed for in 2005 but was not picked up, prompting to commission the full season, which incorporated elements of self-deprecating humor drawn from Spelling's real-life experiences. Episode 1: "Plucky" (April 2, 2006, )
In the pilot, Tori meets handsome gaffer Scott on the set of her latest and develops a crush on him, while her assistant Kiki secretly auctions Tori's personal items on to raise money. The episode features a guest appearance by as herself, adding to the Hollywood satire. This episode served as the series opener, establishing the core ensemble and Tori's underdog persona in the industry.
Episode 2: "Whole" (April 2, 2006, VH1)
Tori attends a party hosted by Scott, where he introduces her to a quirky spiritual group focused on "wholeness," leading to awkward social dynamics and revelations about her insecurities. The back-to-back airing with the pilot helped build early momentum for the show's blend of rom-com tropes and celebrity mockery.
Episode 3: "Street" (April 9, 2006, VH1)
Eager to prove her acting range, Tori auditions for a gritty role as a street prostitute in an indie film, enlisting her friends for unorthodox preparation methods that highlight her desperation for serious roles. This installment delves into themes of career reinvention amid typecasting.
Episode 4: "Accommodating" (April 16, 2006, )
Tori's living situation becomes chaotic when her brother Pete's new girlfriend moves in temporarily, disregarding Tori's personal space and forcing her to crash with friends, exposing tensions and boundary issues. The episode underscores the intrusion of familial obligations on Tori's independent life.
Episode 5: "Jealous" (April 23, 2006, )
Tori begins dating a charming named Carter and invites him to a dinner with her assistant Kiki, but and insecurities arise as past relationships resurface. This story examines romantic pitfalls in the spotlight of minor fame.
Episode 6: "Cursed" (April 23, 2006, )
After being replaced on a film set, Tori becomes convinced she's cursed and seeks help from a voodoo priestess, while her dog Mimi La Rue suffers from an embarrassing health issue involving worms. Superstitions and bad luck plague her attempts to turn things around, tying into broader themes of misfortune in .
Episode 7: "Relaxed" (April 30, 2006, )
Following a fallout with her friends, Tori encounters , the gossipy masseur to , who offers free sessions that spiral into industry rumor-sharing and reconciliation efforts. The massage scenes provide through exaggerated celebrity anecdotes.
Episode 8: "Charitable" (May 7, 2006, )
Inspired by her friend Janey's involvement in a mentoring program, Tori takes on a "Little Sister" to boost her public image, leading to humorous clashes in guidance and unexpected life lessons. This episode touches on performative in Hollywood.
Episode 9: "Soulful" (May 14, 2006, )
With Kiki away on a cruise to , Tori spends visiting her nanny at church, navigating emotional family dynamics and spiritual reflections amid her ongoing career woes. The installment emphasizes themes of heritage and personal growth.
Episode 10: "Canadian" (June 1, 2006, )
In the season finale, Tori travels to for another gig, dealing with production chaos, cultural clashes, and a surprise party that turns disastrous, symbolizing her persistent underdog status. Although the first nine episodes aired on , this one was held back and broadcast on VH1's sister network LOGO due to scheduling decisions.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its premiere in April 2006, So NoTORIous received largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its self-deprecating humor and Tori Spelling's willingness to lampoon her public image. The show's score aggregated to 81% positive based on 16 reviews, reflecting broad approval for its satirical take on . The highlighted the series as a "very witty, sometimes brilliantly insightful hybrid ," comparing it favorably to for its no-holds-barred approach to Spelling's Hollywood upbringing and tabloid notoriety. Similarly, * commended Spelling for creating an "appealing character" through self-deprecating humor, noting her vulnerability and the comedic strength in ensemble scenes with supporting cast members like Brennan Hesser as opportunistic agent Janey and as gay best friend . The emphasized the show's effective execution, stating that while self-parody had been attempted before, it was "done here exceedingly well," with Spelling transforming public mockery into her own comedic strength. The echoed this sentiment, describing the series as having "more than its share of amusing moments" and a "surprising amount of heart," which encouraged viewers to root for Spelling's character beyond the satire. The called it "a sassy, classy winner," appreciating its blend of wit and charm in depicting Spelling's world. While overwhelmingly positive, some reviewers offered minor criticisms regarding pacing and plot structure. The noted that "the laughs, when they come, are few and far between," suggesting occasional reliance on formulaic setups. The critiqued a "sledgehammer approach" in certain episodes that sometimes missed its satirical mark, though these flaws did not overshadow the general acclaim. Most coverage appeared between late March and May 2006, coinciding with the premiere episode on April 2 and early mid-season airings, focusing on Spelling's performance in the pilot and subsequent installments.

Awards and nominations

So Notorious received one major industry nomination during its run. The series was nominated for a in the Outstanding Comedy Series category at the 18th Annual s in , recognizing its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes, particularly through the flamboyant Persian-American sidekick , played by . This nomination highlighted the show's inclusive humor amid its short-lived broadcast on , which concluded in May 2006. However, it did not win, with taking the award. The recognition came post-cancellation, underscoring the critical acclaim for its representation despite the series' brief one-season run. No other formal awards or nominations were reported for the show in major cable comedy categories.

Cultural impact and home media

So Notorious highlighted Tori Spelling's talent for , portraying an exaggerated version of her own Hollywood struggles and public persona in a scripted format. This approach allowed her to preemptively mock the stereotypes surrounding her career, earning praise for its clever, self-deprecating humor. The series contributed to Spelling's evolving image as a willing participant in satirical takes on life, influencing her transition to . Following its 2006 run, So Notorious set the stage for Spelling's reality projects, such as Tori & Dean: Inn Love, which debuted in and leaned into similar humorous, autobiographical elements. By embracing this niche, Spelling established herself in a lineage of celebrity comedies that blurred scripted and unscripted boundaries. In 2025 interviews, Spelling has referenced the series as a pivotal moment in her career, highlighting its influence on her shift to and autobiographical storytelling. The show remains a point of reference in discussions of VH1's early scripted efforts, though it has not seen major revivals or widespread pop culture callbacks by 2025. The complete series was released on DVD on November 21, 2006, by as a two-disc set containing all ten episodes. Bonus features include an interview with and episode outtakes, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the production. As of 2025, the series is unavailable on major streaming platforms like and Apple TV, though it can be accessed for free on niche services such as Plex. This limited digital availability stems from lapsed rights, restricting access primarily to physical copies available through resale markets.

References

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