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Melrose Place (2009 TV series)
Melrose Place (2009 TV series)
Melrose Place (2009 TV series)
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Melrose Place
Also known asMelrose Place 2.0
GenreDrama
Based onMelrose Place
by Darren Star
Developed by
Starring
ComposerDanny Lux
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes18
Production
Executive producers
Production locationsVan Nuys, California
Running time42 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkThe CW
ReleaseSeptember 8, 2009 (2009-09-08) –
April 13, 2010 (2010-04-13)
Related

Melrose Place is an American drama television series that aired on The CW from September 8, 2009, to April 13, 2010.[1][2] The series is a revival of the 1990s Fox series of the same name and is the fifth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise. The show follows the lives of a group of young adults living at the fictitious Melrose Place apartment complex in West Hollywood, California.[3][4][5] Smallville producers Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer were showrunners of the series.[4][5]

The series was met with mixed reviews from critics. Due to low ratings, it was cancelled by The CW on May 20, 2010, after one season.

Development

[edit]

After successfully relaunching the franchise with 90210 in 2008, there was considerable speculation as to whether The CW planned to revive Melrose Place in a similar vein. An article at E! Online reported the possibility of a new version of Melrose in September 2008,[6] though The CW declined to confirm any such project at that time.[6] Some weeks later, The CW and CBS Paramount Network Television (successor-in-interest of Spelling Television and therefore the legal rights holders to Melrose Place) said they were "exploring the possibility" of creating a new version of the series, to potentially debut in the 2009–2010 TV season and targeting their "prized demographic: young women."[7][8][9] Original series creator Darren Star also confirmed that discussions had taken place, but nothing was official. On October 31, 2008, Entertainment Weekly writer Michael Ausiello reported that One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn had been approached about running what was being called "Melrose Place 2.0".[10] The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on December 14, 2008, that Schwahn was in negotiations to write the initial script for the potential series.[11][12][13]

In January 2009, The CW's head of entertainment, Dawn Ostroff, discussed the network's plans to develop a Melrose Place update, stating that she had yet to identify a writer, and that the proposed project would include both returning and new characters.[14] She noted that the original Melrose Place series which began in 1992 started "at a time not unlike what we're going through now ... they talked about the building being foreclosed on, people not having jobs. It took place in a very similar time, a time when the economy was in a downturn."[14] Ostroff also told reporters that unlike the original series, the new version would try to capture life in the Los Angeles Melrose neighborhood.[14] When asked whether the new series would be the "earnest Melrose of season one or the nutty Kimberly-blowing-up-the-apartment-complex of later years," Ostroff explained, "In the beginning you've got to get invested in the characters, but I also think it can't be so dramatic and sleepy that not enough is going on. Our fans really love that heightened drama as you can see when you watch One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl. So the job is to get them emotionally invested in the people and then do storytelling and have twists and turns and surprises you wouldn't have expected."[14]

On January 19, 2009, with Mark Schwahn now officially off the project, Ausiello reported that The CW were talking with Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin (showrunners of The CW's Smallville) about helming the new Melrose Place.[15] On February 6, 2009, Ausiello confirmed that Swimmer and Slavkin were officially hired as the show runners of the spin-off, and discussed some of the new show's characters that were yet to be cast.[16][17]

The Hollywood Reporter reported on February 23, 2009, that The CW had officially greenlit a pilot episode for the new Melrose Place written by Swimmer and Slavkin, which would "follow the original formula and chronicle a new group of twenty-somethings dwelling in Los Angeles' perpetually trendy Melrose neighborhood."[4][5][18] Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) was announced as the director and executive producer of the pilot.[4][5][18]

The new series, ultimately just titled Melrose Place like its 1990s predecessor, premiered on The CW on September 8, 2009.

Casting

[edit]
Cast of Melrose Place (2009)

Ausiello's February 6, 2009, character preview introduced the series' seven new characters: David Patterson, son of the previous version's Jake Hanson "with the taut abs and thick black book to prove it;" his "omnisexual sometime lover" Ella Flynn, "a PR whiz whose tongue is as sharp as her stilettos;" Jonah Miller, an aspiring filmmaker; Riley Richmond, his "sickly-sweet schoolteacher fiancee;" Auggie Kirkpatrick, a "hunky hippie" and recovering alcoholic; "straight-arrow" med student Lauren Bishop, forced by hard times to "trade sexual favors for financial ones;" and Violet Foster, a small-town teen who is "fresh off the turnip truck" but knows how to "play the sex kitten" when necessary.[16]

On February 25, 2009, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the first actor cast in the new series was Michael Rady, whose character Jonah was compared to Andrew Shue's Billy Campbell from the original Melrose Place.[19] Variety announced on February 27, 2009, that Katie Cassidy had landed the role of Ella,[20][21] whom Ausiello had previously compared to Heather Locklear's Amanda Woodward.[16] On March 9, 2009, Ausiello reported that singer/actress Ashlee Simpson-Wentz had been cast as Violet, and quoted an unnamed inside source saying that talks with Locklear to reprise her role were "looking good."[22] The Hollywood Reporter announced on March 17, 2009, that Jessica Lucas had won the role of Riley.[23][24] The next day Entertainment Weekly broke the story that despite The CW "aggressively pursuing" her, Locklear had passed on the Melrose Place update, purportedly because "There wasn't a way to bring her back that made sense."[25] On March 24, 2009, Colin Egglesfield was cast as Auggie, and Stephanie Jacobsen as Lauren.[26][27] The Hollywood Reporter reported on April 3, 2009, that Shaun Sipos had landed the final regular role in the series – Jake's son David – now described as a rich kid whose "bad-boy behavior has cut him off from the family's money."[28][29][30]

On April 5, 2009, The Hollywood Reporter broke the story that Laura Leighton would be joining the series as her original Melrose Place character Sydney Andrews.[30][31] Though Sydney had seemingly been killed off in 1997 at the end of the original show's fifth season, the new pilot finds her alive and now the landlord of the titular apartment complex.[30][31] TV Guide noted that Leighton would also continue in a recurring capacity should the updated Melrose Place be picked up.[30] People reported on April 6, 2009, that Melrose Place original cast member Thomas Calabro would also reprise his series-long role as the duplicitous Dr. Michael Mancini, now established as the father of new character David (Sipos).[32][33]

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's portrayal of the scheming Violet Foster was criticized by both critics and fans who found her very loathsome, and she was reportedly disliked by fellow cast members.[34][35] It was announced in October 2009 that Simpson-Wentz and Colin Egglesfield would be leaving the series after the conclusion of the "Sydney Andrews murder mystery" storyline.[36]

Production

[edit]

Ausiello reported on May 19, 2009, that the series had been picked up by The CW.[37] Presenting its 2009–2010 season schedule on May 21, 2009, The CW announced its intention to air Melrose Place after 90210 on Tuesday nights, in the same way their parent shows had been paired when the original Melrose Place debuted on Fox in July 1992.[1][38][39][40] Ostroff added that there would likely be some character crossover between the two shows.[1] Sipos's, Cassidy's, and Jacobsen's characters had also been renamed "David Breck," "Ella Simms," and "Lauren Yung" in the press release.[39][40]

With the series in production, the Los Angeles Times noted on August 30, 2009, that the new Melrose Place intends to reflect life in Los Angeles beyond the way the original did by filming "everywhere from skid row to Sunset Boulevard and using popular venues, such as the Cinerama Dome and Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as opulent mansions in Malibu and the so-called bird streets of the Hollywood Hills."[41] Executive producers Slavkin and Swimmer both grew up in Los Angeles, and wanted to update the series "in a really cool, relevant way and not just slap the name Melrose Place on it."[41] Concerned about repeating the same difficulties which occurred when incorporating original series characters in the 90210 update, The CW's Ostroff was drawn to Slavkin and Swimmer's intent to "create a new world but also hang on to what was special about Melrose originally ... I wanted to make sure that we used the old characters in the right way, in a way that made sense to the new characters as well."[41] Swimmer added, "We felt the only way to incorporate the old characters into the new show was for it to feel like it was part of the story and came from the story."[41]

On September 23, 2009, Variety reported that The CW had ordered an additional six scripts for the series, despite its ratings thus far being a "disappointment."[42][43] On October 21, 2009, The CW officially ordered five more episodes of the series, bringing the total to eighteen.[44] A day later in an interview with Ausiello, Slavkin and Swimmer announced that Egglesfield, Simpson-Wentz, and Leighton would leave the series once the murder mystery is resolved in episode 12.[45] Egglesfield told E! Online that his departure was a network decision driven by the show's weak ratings, and that his character Auggie would not be killed off.[46]

Guest stars

[edit]

People reported on June 18, 2009, that Josie Bissett, who portrayed Michael's ex-wife and Sydney's older sister Jane Mancini in the original series, would guest star in at least one episode.[47] Taylor Cole was next booked to guest star as David's ex-girlfriend, followed by Taryn Manning as a singer whose music video is directed by Jonah.[48] The next day, Entertainment Weekly reported that original series star Daphne Zuniga would be returning as photographer Jo Reynolds for at least two episodes.[2][49] On July 17, 2009, E! Online announced that Brooke Burns had been cast as Vanessa, wife of Dr. Michael Mancini and mother of his younger son Noah.[50] That same day, TV Guide Magazine reported that Victor Webster had also been cast as Caleb, Ella's gay publicist boss.[51] On July 20, 2009, E! Online reported that Kelly Carlson had been cast as a madam who convinces Lauren to work for her as part of her prostitution ring.[52]

On August 19, 2009, E! Online announced that Jenna Dewan would appear on the series for at least two episodes as Kendra Wilson, a movie development executive who has her eyes on Jonah.[53] Later that week, E! Online confirmed that Locklear was again in talks to join the update as her original series character Amanda.[54] On August 31, 2009, former LA Laker Rick Fox announced he would be guest-starring on the series as an LA club owner.[55] A rep for Melrose Place later confirmed the news to Access Hollywood, stating that Fox would appear in the eighth episode.[56]

On September 22, 2009, The CW announced that Heather Locklear would finally join the update in its tenth episode. Show runners Slavkin and Swimmer were quoted as saying "We're ecstatic to have the chance to bring Amanda Woodward back to Melrose Place. Heather's involvement in the show is something we've been working on for some time, as we couldn't imagine creating and producing this show without the iconic character's inclusion."[57] Ausiello revealed that Locklear would play Ella's boss at WPK, calling it "a genius move that will pit the show's former and current vixens against one another."[58] On October 9, 2009, TV Guide reported that Billy Campbell had been cast as a powerful billionaire who would be involved with Amanda and first appear in episode thirteen.[59] On October 27, 2009, Ausiello reported that Nick Zano was in talks to join as a pseudo-replacement for Colin Egglesfield's Auggie.[60] Zano later confirmed his casting in an interview with the Entertainment Weekly columnist, revealed that he would play a doctor who works with Lauren and moves into the Melrose apartment complex, and that his role is recurring.[61]

Cancellation

[edit]

Lagging ratings caused frequent speculation that the show would not be brought back for a second season. TV by the Numbers, a site that publishes television ratings to the public, repeatedly stated that the show had not hit its target audience and was likely to be cancelled.[62] After the season finale, series producer Darren Swimmer left a statement on his Twitter account saying, "Melrose Place: Thnx for the love, fans. Honestly, a season 2 looks like it ain't gonna happen. All signs say no, but no official word yet."[63] On May 18, 2010, two days before the new CW line-up was to be released, Swimmer left another message about the fate of the show: "I think it's fair to say we won't be renewed for next season. It was a great run. Mad props to everyone involved with the show & our fans!"[64] The CW officially canceled the series on May 20, 2010.[65]

In April 2024, another revival of the series was announced to be in development, which Deadline Hollywood speculated would continue the original series and ignore the 2009 revival.[66]

Plot

[edit]

On May 21, 2009, Ausiello reported that Leighton's character Sydney dies in the pilot and sets off a murder mystery, but noted that the actress would continue to appear in multiple episodes of the season through flashbacks.[67] The Los Angeles Times later confirmed that Sydney would be found dead in the first 10 minutes of the premiere episode, a turn of events which means "anything could happen" in the new series, according to executive producer Slavkin.[41] "It will feel nostalgic, but it's not the old Melrose," Slavkin said.[41] The Times added that initial episodes would revolve around the interrelationships of the apartment complex's seven residents and the theme that "no one is exactly who they seem," with Sydney's murder solved mid-season.[41] As the series opens, new Melrose Place resident Violet finds Sydney floating dead in the courtyard pool. Student doctor Lauren reluctantly accepts cash for sex to pay her medical school tuition, as aspiring filmmaker Jonah is offered a directing deal in exchange for his silence about a famous director's indiscretion. David, Sydney's ex-lover and the police's initial suspect in her death, is bailed out of jail by bisexual publicist Ella, who provides a false alibi and has her own reasons for wanting Sydney out of the way. While David steals a valuable painting from his own father Michael Mancini in the dark of night, sous chef Auggie — seemingly the resident most upset by Sydney's death — burns a bloody chef's uniform.

Holding onto her job puts pressure on Ella, whose efforts to further secret crush Jonah's career do not help his relationship with his new fiancée Riley. Lauren is compelled to continue prostituting herself, and while Sydney's sister Jane's attempt to blackmail Ella fails, she follows through on her promise to clue in the police on Ella's motives for Sydney's murder. Violet is revealed to be Sydney's secret daughter, and schemes to both get close to Auggie, and punish Michael for mistreating Sydney.

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Katie Cassidy as Ella Simms, a publicist who began her career under the guidance of Sydney Andrews, the new landlady of 4616 Melrose Place. Ella's close friendships with some of the other tenants, David and Jonah, are highlighted with some sexuality. Ambitious, scheming, and at times devious, Ella eventually comes into her own as a confident woman in show business. This is shown by her willingness to use her sexuality to get things done by seducing both men and women. Prior to Sydney's untimely death, Ella's relationship with her mentor had soured. She had a brief relationship with Jonah, after his broken engagement to Riley.
  • Colin Egglesfield as August "Auggie" Kirkpatrick, a chef and part-time surfer with a history of alcoholism, which has adversely affected his life to the point that it once got him in a fight which killed his girlfriend. This landed him in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with Sydney, with whom he had a brief relationship. With Sydney's help, he is able to overcome this. He later tries to help Sydney when she also becomes addicted to drugs. After Sydney's death, Auggie turns to Riley for comfort. When this does not work out, he begins a relationship with Violet (originally unaware that she is Sydney's long-lost daughter) and eventually leaves California with her.
  • Stephanie Jacobsen as Lauren Yung, Ella's roommate and a cash-strapped medical student of Dr. Mancini. With the obsession to be a medical doctor at any cost, she reluctantly turns to prostitution in order to pay her tuition. Lauren's first client was a man who offered her a huge sum of money to have sex with him. He later becomes her "pimp", recommending her to one of his friends. After she rendered her services to a man she met at a certain hotel bar, she is confronted by Wendi, a madam who has made a deal with the hotel, who threatens her if she ever sees her there again. Lauren is eventually employed by Wendi, and her new job has become invasive of her personal life, to the point that her friends see less and less of her. When Michael Mancini threatens to reveal her secret to the hospital, she comes clean to her friends about her profession which she quits soon after and enters into a romance with David.
  • Jessica Lucas as Riley Richmond, an elementary schoolteacher who is engaged to Jonah. In addition to her being wary of Jonah's friendship with Ella, she also has some feelings for her jogging partner, Auggie.
  • Michael Rady as Jonah Miller, a good-natured friend of Ella's who works in the IT department of her agency and is also an aspiring filmmaker. His close friendship with Ella is only one of the problems in his relationship with his fiancée, Riley.
  • Shaun Sipos as David Breck, another friend of Ella's and Michael Mancini's son with an unnamed woman. He had a brief relationship with his landlady, Sydney, prior to her untimely death. He is also, possibly, the biological father of Noah, the son of his father's recently deceased wife, Vanessa. David later has an intimate relationship with Ella's roommate, Lauren. Although they eventually ended breaking up, they both remain with strong feelings for each other. Often unemployed, David supports himself by performing robberies of houses in wealthy neighborhoods and selling the items he steals on the black market thanks to his criminal contact Amir. He later uses his ill-gotten money to buy the restaurant Coal as a means of going legal and legitimate.
  • Ashlee Simpson-Wentz as Violet Foster, a young woman new to California and struggling to fit in with the other tenants of Melrose Place. While she quickly becomes friends with some of them, none of them know that she came to California to find her biological mother. It turned out that her biological mother is Sydney, who rejected her at first but later wanted to get to know her. Violet's reunion with her mother is cut short when Sydney is found murdered in the pool. She later finds out about her mother's turbulent relationship with Dr. Michael Mancini, whom she approaches to apply as the nanny of his son, Noah. Being just as scheming and manipulative as her biological mother, Violet eventually has an affair with Michael and even blackmails him with a recording of their one night stand. She reveals to him that she is Sydney's daughter and that she wants to get back at him for treating her mother badly. In searching for her mother's murderer, Violet finds out that Michael's wife, Vanessa, had previously confronted Sydney about her affair with Michael. Sydney's insinuation that Vanessa's son with Michael, Noah, was actually fathered by Michael's estranged son, David (who also had a brief relationship with Sydney), drove Vanessa to kill her. Violet then confronts Vanessa, resulting in a fight in the pool, and ultimately, Vanessa's death. Her drug-addicted adoptive brother came to California, and it was revealed they'd been secretly sleeping together unbeknownst to their parents. She then dated Auggie Kirkpatrick, eventually leaving California with him.

Special guest stars

[edit]

Recurring characters and guest stars

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Davis GuggenheimTodd Slavkin & Darren SwimmerSeptember 8, 2009 (2009-09-08)2.27[69]
When a bloody body is found floating in the courtyard pool at 4616 Melrose Place, suspicion falls on handsome and rebellious David Breck. However, as the police soon discover, almost everyone living there had a reason to want the deceased out of the way.
2"Nightingale"Greg BeemanLiz TigelaarSeptember 15, 2009 (2009-09-15)1.81[70]
Still freaked out by the recent murder, the Melrose Place tenants try to resume some sense of a normal life. Ella learns from her new boss, Caleb, that her job could be in jeopardy due to a recent merger unless she brings in a huge client. Ella then forces David to take her to a Brentwood party, where she hopes to land a big actor client, Jasper. Still in desperate need of tuition money, Lauren agrees to go out on another date in exchange for money, but inadvertently winds up at the same party as David and Ella. Detective Rodriguez questions Auggie, who flashes back to when he first met Sydney in AA. Riley and Jonah view surveillance video of Violet acting oddly and begin to think she is hiding something.
3"Grand"Allan ArkushCaroline DriesSeptember 22, 2009 (2009-09-22)1.50[71]
Jonah is furious when he learns that Riley has not told her family or friends that she and Jonah are engaged. Upset over their fight, Riley turns to Auggie for comfort. Caleb reams Ella after her director bails on a job, so she recruits Jonah to fill in on a Boomkat music video at the last minute. However, the lead singer, Taryn, might be more than Jonah can handle, putting Ella's job on the line. Meanwhile, David accuses Michael of murdering Sydney, as Lauren applies to be on Michael's team at the hospital, and Violet continues to make her move on Auggie.
4"Vine"Fred ToyeDaniel Thomsen DriesSeptember 29, 2009 (2009-09-29)1.47[72]
Jane Andrews, Sydney's sister, comes to Melrose Place and announces that she inherited the building from Sydney. Jane threatens to show incriminating e-mails Ella sent to Sydney to the police unless Ella allows her to dress one of her up-and-coming clients for a movie premiere in a Jane Andrews original design. Desperate, Ella turns to David for help. Detective Rodriguez shows up at Violet's apartment asking questions about her connection to Sydney, but she flees though the window. Lauren meets a john at the hotel bar after being stood up by Toby and decides to take her new side job to the next level. However, upon leaving the hotel, Lauren is stopped by Wendi, a madam who has a deal with the hotel, who threatens Lauren if she ever sees her in there again.
5"Canon"Norman BuckleyChris FifeOctober 6, 2009 (2009-10-06)1.60[73]
As a result of Jane's tip, the police bring Ella in for questioning about Sydney's murder. Ella naturally downplays the tension between her and Sydney in the days prior to the murder. Meanwhile, Lauren is torn between going on a shopping date with Riley for her wedding and impressing her new boss Wendi who just set her up on a "date." A stunned Jonah is accused of stealing a diamond necklace from a mansion he videotaped for a realtor, but becomes even more upset after Ella mentions a similar necklace that she saw in David's apartment. Elsewhere, Violet maliciously sabotages another employee at Coal so she can get closer to Auggie.
6"Shoreline"Roxann DawsonAlex McNallyOctober 13, 2009 (2009-10-13)1.40[74]
Anton V, a famous fashion designer, meets Riley and decides she must be the face of his new denim jean campaign, much to his publicist Ella's horror. Jonah is excited about the offer to direct another music video as he's run into financial issues but Riley turns down the gig. Meanwhile, Wendi sends Lauren on a job on a yacht, but Lauren panics when she sees David board the boat to meet with his boss' friend to ask for more robbery jobs. Also, Violet feigns illness to orchestrate a meeting with Michael at the hospital as part of her plan to exact revenge for the way he treated Sydney.
7"Windsor"Patrick NorrisJonathan CarenOctober 20, 2009 (2009-10-20)1.49[75]
Ella and Riley arrive at the Anton V photo shoot and meet the photographer, former Melrose Place resident Jo Reynolds. Jo feels that Riley's inexperience is preventing Jo from getting her shot, so Jo pushes Riley's buttons and insists on a topless shoot to help Riley get in touch with her emotions. Meanwhile, Jonah meets with a producer's development exec, Kendra, who invites him to have drinks later that night to discuss his film. Violet makes another play for Auggie's attention, and Lauren finds out about David's criminal secret of robbing people's houses for expensive artwork.
8"Gower"David BarrettCaprice CraneNovember 3, 2009 (2009-11-03)1.48[76]
Riley helps Jonah film a wedding, but the two get into a big fight in the middle of the ceremony. Putting her relationship with Jonah first, Riley breaks off her friendship with Auggie, who doesn't take the news very well. Auggie later finally takes out his repressed anger by punching his demanding boss at Coal Restaurant. Meanwhile, Ella discovers Lauren's expensive new clothing and lingerie plus a large envelope of cash and confronts her roommate about the late nights she's been working. As is her wont, Lauren lies to Ella about her secret work. Also, David fears he may be responsible for Sydney's death.
9"Ocean"Liz FriedlanderDavid BabcockNovember 10, 2009 (2009-11-10)1.27[77]
After learning Auggie's blood was on Sydney's murder weapon, the police search his apartment and demand the other residents tell them where he went after he was fired from Coal. Riley is conflicted about whether to help the police, but Jonah pushes her to make the call as she knows where Auggie is staying. Meanwhile, a work incident causes Jonah to pretend he's engaged to Ella who really gets into the role playing. David arranges a secret play date with his little half-brother, Noah, but after the little boy hurts himself, Lauren must come to the rescue and risk the wrath of Dr. Michael Mancini.
10"Cahuenga"Michael FieldsCaroline DriesNovember 17, 2009 (2009-11-17)1.56[78]
Ruthless Amanda Woodward, owner of the WPK Agency, fires half the staff and torments the survivors. Auggie desperately tries to clear himself of the murder charge. David asks Lauren out on a date, but she turns him down, fearing that he may find out her secret profession. David learns about Auggie's arrest and thinks someone tried to frame him for Sydney's murder.
11"June"David PaymerDan ThomsenDecember 1, 2009 (2009-12-01)1.40[79]
Amanda moves into Sydney's penthouse while her Bel Air mansion is being built and takes an interest in David as part of her continuing agenda. Meanwhile, David and Lauren's relationship continues to grow despite her determination to hide her secret call-girl profession from him. Ella uses her charms to get Jonah a new job as the computer I.T. guy at WPK where she asks him to spy on Amanda's e-mails in an attempt to get the best on her. Amanda and Michael have an awkward reunion. Also, Violet receives an unwelcome visitor from her past: her evil stepbrother Levi, who wants to bring her back to her hometown in Oregon, and Riley inadvertently gets in harm's way when Levi attempts to extort money from Violet.
12"San Vicente"Bethany RooneyStory by : Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer
Teleplay by : Chris Fife		December 8, 2009 (2009-12-08)1.25[80]
When the pressure of planning their wedding becomes too much, Jonah and Riley decide to head to Las Vegas to elope, but the day doesn't quite go as planned. Ella arranges a pitch meeting for Jonah with an important producer who is interested in buying his film. Meanwhile, Lauren calls David after she gets in trouble with one of her male clients and Auggie confesses his true feelings for Riley. Also, an incarcerated Michael gives David information about Sydney's killer and Amanda bonds with Violet over Sydney, but of course Amanda has an ulterior motive in getting to know Violet. The identity of Sydney's killer is finally revealed.
13"Oriole"Greg BeemanAlex McNallyMarch 9, 2010 (2010-03-09)1.19[81]
Amanda puts Ella in charge of a lavish party at her house to celebrate the arrival of her billionaire boyfriend Ben Brinkley (guest star Billy Campbell). However, after Amanda spies Ella and Ben together in a compromising position, she naturally lashes out. Meanwhile, Riley asks Jonah if they can start over when they attend Amanda's party. Violet asks Auggie to leave town with her to start over when she finds him drinking again. Elsewhere, Lauren struggles to recover from her near-fatal roofie overdose while David, under false pretenses, confronts the john who drugged Lauren.
14"Stoner Canyon"Seith MannStory by : Caprice Crane
Teleplay by : Caroline Dries		March 16, 2010 (2010-03-16)1.16[82]
The sexy and catty Drew Pragin moves into Auggie's old apartment and immediately clashes with Lauren over his love of loud rock music. She becomes even more upset when he shows up at the hospital as the newest resident and is just as ambitious and crafty as she. Meanwhile, Riley asks Ben to help her land another elementary school teaching job, which infuriates the jealous Amanda. David receives life-changing news from an unexpected source, while Michael wallows in self-pity over learning about his late wife's involvement with Sydney's murder. Also, Ella makes an unrealistic demand of Jonah that backfires by continuing to pretend that he and Riley are still together to an actor interested in playing Jonah's part in his upcoming biographical movie. Elsewhere, Lauren covers for Michael's mistake at the hospital, and he responds by paying off her student loan. But when Lauren decides to quit her call-girl profession after one last job, she finds her latest client is Michael Mancini.
15"Mulholland"J. Miller TobinDavid BabcockMarch 23, 2010 (2010-03-23)0.96[83]
Ella is a little overwhelmed by Jonah's constant attention and during an unusual social gathering he brings her to, she decides couple-hood might not be for her. Meanwhile, Lauren succumbs to the merciless Dr. Mancini's threats to break up with David. David decides to buy the restaurant Coal, but the price turns out to be a little higher than he thought. So, David asks his boss and fence Amir to set him up for another robbery job to get the money needed, except that David gets caught by Morgan, the wild-child bad girl of the home's owner whom demands sexual favors in exchange for her silence. Also, Drew begins to moonlight in a rock band, and Amanda catches Ben and Riley in a compromising position as she continues searching for the stolen painting.
16"Santa Fe"Greg BeemanDan Thomsen & Alex McNallyMarch 30, 2010 (2010-03-30)1.12[84]
Ella discovers someone is embezzling from WPK and framing her for it. Panicked that she could go to jail, Ella investigates and starts with Jo Reynolds, who realizes Amanda is up to her old tricks again. Meanwhile, Jonah decides to throw a party in the courtyard to celebrate his new-found success. Jane shows up to confront Amanda for not firing Ella and runs into Michael. Lauren is shocked after Michael tells her he'll reveal her secret if she doesn't sleep with him, so she makes a harsh decision: Lauren reveals her secret to her friends and David is angry. Elsewhere, Riley and Drew share a sweet date during an outing to East L.A.
17"Sepulveda"Norman BuckleyCaroline DriesApril 6, 2010 (2010-04-06)1.05[85]
David's new role as a restaurant owner is put to the test after he loses some of his staff on the day an important food critic has come to review Coal. In an effort to get David to forgive her for lying to him about her secret call-girl profession, Lauren pitches in as a waitress and hostess and helps him out of his jam. Meanwhile, Ella wants to hack into the WPK files to erase the fake evidence against her for embezzlement, but Jonah strongly disagrees with her tactics, so she looks to David for help. With Drew's help, Riley throws a fundraiser for her education foundation, but when Drew tries to increase the donations by auctioning off a date with Riley, things go awry after Drew and a jealous Jonah get into a bidding war.
18"Wilshire"Greg BeemanDarren Swimmer & Todd SlavkinApril 13, 2010 (2010-04-13)1.09[86]
Ella finds the stolen painting Amanda has been looking for and blackmails her for it. Michael sets Drew up to get caught with drugs until Lauren comes to Drew's rescue. Lauren and David reconcile. Jonah asks Riley to reconcile, but she declines. Amanda is arrested by two FBI agents and Ella replaces her as head of WPK.

Reception

[edit]

U.S. Nielsen ratings

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per season of 7th Heaven
Season Timeslot (ET) Episodes First aired Last aired TV season Viewership
rank		 Avg. viewers
(millions)		 Avg. 18–49
rating
Date Viewers
(millions) 		Date Viewers
(millions)
1 Tuesday 9 p.m. 18 September 8, 2009 (2009-09-08) 2.27 April 13, 2010 (2010-04-13) 1.09 2009–10 138[87] 1.39[87] 0.7[87]

Critical

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Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker gave the pilot a B, stating that "it remains to be seen whether the new Melrose will become as giddily addictive as its predecessor — but it's off to a promisingly dizzy start."[88] The Los Angeles Times compared the update to the original, noting that "Camp has given way to noir, soap has morphed into mystery, and acting and dialogue have become more sophisticated while alcoholism, drug addiction, infidelity and even murder remain among the permanent residents of the fictitious 4616 Melrose Place."[41] The Hollywood Reporter stated, "It's all brand new and shiny but comfortably familiar and keenly calculated. The pleasures abound within the walls of the new 'MP,' but be warned: You'll want to take a shower afterward."[89] Melrose Place was the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter for about an hour on its debut night, and its ratings put it in second place among its core young adult audience in the 9 pm hour.[90]

Metacritic gave the episode a Metascore of 57, signifying mixed reviews, a weighted average based on a select 23 critical reviews.[91]

International syndication

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Melrose Place began airing in 26 countries in Latin America on November 10, 2009, via Sony Entertainment Television.[92] Episodes were aired in English, and are subtitled in French, Portuguese and Spanish.[93]

References

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Melrose Place (2009 TV series)

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Melrose Place is an American television series that served as a of the 1992–1999 Fox drama of the same name, premiering on on September 8, 2009, and running for one season of 18 episodes until its conclusion on April 13, 2010. The series centers on a diverse group of young professionals and friends living together in the fictional Spanish-style apartment complex at 4616 Melrose Place in , as they navigate ambitious careers, romantic entanglements, and personal secrets amid the glamorous yet treacherous backdrop of . The narrative kicks off with the shocking discovery of a former resident's corpse in the complex's , sparking a murder investigation that implicates nearly all the residents and weaves through their interconnected lives. Developed by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, with original creator Darren Star receiving credit, the show was produced by CBS Television Studios and directed in its pilot by Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim. The ensemble cast includes Katie Cassidy as Ella Simms, an ambitious and manipulative publicist; Stephanie Jacobsen as Lauren Yung, a driven medical student grappling with addiction; Jessica Lucas as Riley Richmond, a passionate graphic designer; Michael Rady as Jonah Miller, an aspiring filmmaker; Colin Egglesfield as Auggie Kirkpatrick, a sous chef and recovering alcoholic; Shaun Sipos as David Breck, a bartender and owner of the bar Coal; and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz as Violet Foster, a mysterious newcomer. Recurring roles featured original series alumni like Heather Locklear as Amanda Woodward, the complex's scheming owner, and Josie Bissett as Jane Mancini, adding continuity to the reboot. Despite its nod to the soapy intrigue that defined the original, Melrose Place received mixed critical reception, praised for its bold premiere but criticized for uneven plotting and reliance on familiar tropes, ultimately earning a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Low viewership ratings, averaging about 1 million viewers per episode with a decline from the premiere, led to its swift cancellation by The CW on May 20, 2010, marking it as a short-lived attempt to revive 1990s primetime drama in the modern era.

Development

Announcement and Concept

In January 2009, during the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, The CW's president of entertainment, Dawn Ostroff, announced plans to develop a revival of Melrose Place as a soft reboot of the original 1990s series. Ostroff described the project as centering on a fresh ensemble of 20-something characters navigating life in the iconic West Hollywood apartment complex, while preserving the soap opera hallmarks of romance, drama, and interpersonal intrigue that defined the original. The creative vision was spearheaded by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, executive producers known for their work on , who were brought on in February 2009 to write and run the series. Their concept introduced a of residents entangled in professional ambitions, relationships, and secrets at 4616 Melrose Place, with a central hook tying back to the original through the unsolved murder of , whose body is discovered in the pilot, implicating the tenants as suspects. This mystery arc was designed to evoke the original's penchant for cliffhangers and scandals, such as the infamous "Who shot J.R.?" from , while updating the narrative for a contemporary audience. The CW greenlit the pilot episode in February 2009, with production slated for spring, positioning the revival to capitalize on the network's successful 90210 reboot by blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities. In tone, the series echoed the original 1992 Melrose Place's focus on heightened emotional stakes and ensemble dynamics but modernized it with edgier themes of ambition and betrayal, aiming to deliver "sex, romance, drama, intrigue, and mystery" without direct replication.

Casting Process

The casting process for the 2009 revival of Melrose Place began in February 2009, as The CW sought a vibrant, youthful ensemble to inhabit the updated apartment complex storyline tied to the original series' legacy, including references to characters like . Michael Rady was the first actor announced for the series, cast as Jonah Miller on February 25. Katie Cassidy followed shortly after, securing the role of Ella Simms on February 27; described as a sexy and stylish , her casting highlighted the show's focus on ambitious young professionals. Announcements continued throughout March, with Jessica Lucas cast as Riley Richmond, a 24-year-old elementary school teacher, on March 17. On March 24, Colin Egglesfield joined as Auggie Kirkpatrick, the building's handyman and chef, while Stephanie Jacobsen was selected for Lauren Yung, a driven medical student facing financial pressures. Shaun Sipos rounded out the core group as David Breck, announced around the same period as the pilot assembly. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz was cast as Violet Foster on March 9, marking her return to after focusing on since her last major role in 2004's Undiscovered; her selection, as the character's connection to the original series' , drew scrutiny over her limited recent acting credentials but aligned with the reboot's blend of fresh faces and nostalgia. The ensemble skewed younger than the original cast—most leads were in their mid-20s—to appeal to a contemporary audience with relatable, diverse backgrounds in professions like and . Heather Locklear's return as Amanda Woodward in a recurring capacity was confirmed on September 22, 2009, adding star power from the original series after initial talks surfaced earlier in the year.

Production

Filming and Crew

Filming for the 2009 revival of Melrose Place took place primarily in , , spanning from June 2009 to March 2010. The production utilized the exterior of the original apartment complex from the 1990s series, located at 4616 Greenwood Place in Los Feliz, known as the El Pueblo Apartments, to maintain visual continuity with the iconic setting. Interiors and courtyard scenes were shot on soundstages at CBS Studio Center in , allowing for controlled environments to depict the complex's dramatic interiors. The pilot episode was filmed in May 2009, shortly after The CW ordered a full 18-episode season on May 21, 2009, enabling a rapid transition to for the fall premiere. Episodes were structured to run approximately 42 minutes, fitting the network's one-hour slot with commercials. This timeline supported a weekly production rhythm, with location shoots for exterior and on-location scenes interspersed with studio work to capture the series' blend of urban glamour and interpersonal intrigue. Key behind-the-scenes personnel included executive producers Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, who oversaw the creative direction and shaped the series as a modern update to the original format. directed the pilot and served as an , setting the initial visual tone, while Greg Beeman directed four episodes and also acted as a producer, contributing to the consistent pacing across the season. The return of character Amanda Woodward, portrayed by , midway through production influenced the narrative tone, infusing episodes with the scheming intensity reminiscent of the run. Cinematographer Checco Varese led the visual style, employing digital filming techniques to refresh the glossy, high-drama aesthetic of the original series with contemporary lighting and effects, emphasizing sleek nightlife and intimate settings. Production designer Alfred Sole crafted the sets to evoke a luxurious yet tense residential vibe, while music Danny Lux provided a pulsing score that underscored the soap's emotional twists. Editors Farrel Jane Levy and Debby Germino handled , ensuring tight narrative flow in each installment. The ensemble cast's on-set chemistry was prioritized during filming to enhance the relational dynamics central to the show.

Guest Stars and Cameos

The 2009 reboot of Melrose Place featured several high-profile guest appearances from the original series' cast, designed to bridge the two iterations and inject star power into the narrative. reprised her iconic role as Amanda Woodward, the ruthless advertising executive, appearing in eight episodes starting from the tenth. Her return significantly advanced the central murder mystery surrounding ' death, as Amanda's confrontations with the new residents uncovered hidden secrets and escalated interpersonal tensions among the tenants. Josie Bissett returned as Jane Mancini in two episodes, "Vine" and "Santa Fe," providing emotional depth through her character's visit to the complex and interactions with the younger cast. Similarly, Daphne Zuniga made a cameo as photographer Jo Reynolds in two episodes, including "Windsor," where she crossed paths with Ella Simms and Riley Richmond during a beach photoshoot, offering a nostalgic nod to the original ensemble. Thomas Calabro also appeared as Dr. Michael Mancini in nine episodes, contributing to plot progression by investigating the murder and clashing with Amanda over past grievances. These cameos not only honored the legacy of the 1990s series but also heightened drama, with Amanda's arc particularly pivotal in revealing motives tied to the killing. Other brief nods to original characters, such as mentions of past events, reinforced thematic continuity without overshadowing the reboot's fresh storyline.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Katie Cassidy portrayed Ella Simms, an ambitious publicist navigating the high-stakes world of celebrity representation while dealing with personal and professional entanglements at the Melrose Place apartment complex. Born November 25, 1986, in Los Angeles, Cassidy had prior notable roles including Ruby, a demon ally to the Winchester brothers, in the third season of Supernatural from 2007 to 2008. She also appeared in films such as Click (2006) and When a Stranger Calls (2006) before the series. Cassidy was billed as a series regular and appeared in all 18 episodes. Colin Egglesfield played Auggie Kirkpatrick, a charismatic chef and surfer harboring a mysterious past that impacts his relationships with fellow residents. Born February 9, 1973, in , Egglesfield broke into acting with a recurring role as Josh Madden on the soap opera from 2005 to 2009. His earlier television work included guest spots on and appearances in films like The Girl Next Door (2004). Egglesfield was a series regular through the first half of the season and appeared in 13 episodes. Jessica Lucas starred as Riley Richmond, a dedicated elementary school teacher whose romantic entanglements and family secrets complicate her life in the complex. Born September 24, 1985, in Vancouver, Canada, Lucas gained prominence with her role as Liz in the found-footage horror film Cloverfield (2008). She had earlier television credits on the Canadian series Edgemont (2001–2005) and guest roles on shows like 90210. Lucas was billed as a series regular and appeared in all 18 episodes. Stephanie Jacobsen depicted Lauren Yung, a driven medical student at UCLA hiding financial desperation and personal secrets that lead to risky decisions. Born June 22, 1980, in and raised in , , Jacobsen earned acclaim for her portrayal of Jesse Flores, a resistance fighter from the future, in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–2009). Her prior work included guest appearances on and NCIS. Jacobsen was a series regular and appeared in all 18 episodes. Michael Rady portrayed Jonah Miller, an aspiring filmmaker struggling to balance his artistic dreams with the realities of life and love among his neighbors. Born August 20, 1981, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rady debuted in film with the role of Kostas in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005), reprising it in the 2008 sequel. He had recurring roles on Kitchen Confidential (2005–2006) and Swingtown (2008) prior to the series. Rady was billed as a series regular and appeared in all 18 episodes. Shaun Sipos played David Breck, a charming but troubled waiter grappling with gambling debts and complex family ties to the building's history. Born October 30, 1981, in , Canada, Sipos rose to notice as Jack Savage on the ABC sitcom (2004–2005). His earlier credits included roles on and films like (2001). Sipos was a series regular and appeared in all 18 episodes. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (credited as Ashlee Simpson) embodied Violet Foster, an emotionally unstable aspiring artist whose obsessive tendencies strain her interactions with the group. Born October 3, 1982, in , Simpson transitioned from music—following her reality series (2004–2005)—to acting with guest spots on 7th Heaven and a Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in (2006). This marked a significant step in her acting career after reality television exposure. Simpson-Wentz was a series regular for the initial episodes and appeared in 13 episodes.

Recurring and Guest Cast

The recurring cast of Melrose Place (2009) featured actors in supporting roles that spanned multiple episodes, often advancing key plotlines such as the central murder mystery and interpersonal dynamics among the tenants without overshadowing the main ensemble. Original series alumni returned in prominent recurring roles to provide continuity. reprised her role as Amanda Woodward, the scheming former resident and building owner who returns to manipulate events and residents, appearing in 7 episodes starting from episode 10. returned as Jane Mancini, Sydney Andrews' sister who inherits the building and deals with its dramas, in 4 episodes. appeared as Dr. Michael Mancini, a doctor with ties to the complex's past, in 5 episodes. Nicholas Gonzalez portrayed Detective James Rodriguez, a determined investigator assigned to the murder of , appearing in eight episodes across the season. Rodriguez's probing interrogations heightened tension in the storyline, particularly as he uncovered connections between the tenants and the crime, supporting the series' thriller elements while interacting briefly with main characters like David Breck and Auggie Kirkpatrick. Victor Webster played Caleb Brewer, Ella Simms's demanding boss at the WPK advertising agency, in seven episodes. Brewer's manipulative professional relationship with Ella drove subplots involving corporate intrigue and power struggles, adding layers to her character arc without dominating the apartment complex's core drama. Prior to this role, Webster was known for leading the sci-fi series Mutant X from 2001 to 2004. Nick Zano appeared as Drew Pragin, a charismatic new tenant who moves into Auggie Kirkpatrick's vacated apartment, across five episodes in the latter half of the season. Pragin's arrival introduced fresh romantic and comedic tensions among the residents, particularly clashing with Lauren Yung over lifestyle differences, thereby refreshing the ensemble dynamics as the series progressed. Zano had previously gained recognition for his recurring role as Vince on the sitcom What I Like About You from 2002 to 2006. Jason Olive recurred as Detective Drake, another law enforcement figure involved in the Sydney murder investigation, in four episodes. Drake's collaborative efforts with Rodriguez provided procedural depth to the mystery, focusing on forensic leads and suspect interviews that bolstered the overarching suspense without stealing focus from the tenants' personal conflicts.
ActorCharacterEpisodesRole Description
Heather LocklearAmanda Woodward7Scheming original resident returning to manipulate the tenants and plot.
Thomas CalabroDr. Michael Mancini5Doctor with historical ties to the complex, aiding in investigations and dramas.
Josie BissettJane Mancini4Sydney's sister inheriting the building, involved in management and personal conflicts.
Nicholas GonzalezDetective James Rodriguez8Lead investigator in the murder plot, questioning tenants and uncovering clues.
Victor WebsterCaleb Brewer7Ella's boss at WPK, involved in workplace power plays.
Nick ZanoDrew Pragin5New tenant sparking romantic and social tensions.
Jason OliveDetective Drake4Supporting detective aiding the investigation.

Premise

Setting and Themes

The 2009 revival of Melrose Place is set in the fictional apartment complex at 4616 Melrose Place in , portrayed as an elegant Mediterranean-style building that fosters luxurious yet tense communal living among a diverse group of young professionals and strivers. The interiors emphasize opulent details juxtaposed with interpersonal friction, while shared outdoor spaces like the pool serve as key sites for ensemble interactions and escalating drama. This setting mirrors the original series' iconic location but updates it to reflect class diversity, including characters from varied economic backgrounds cohabiting in a rental environment amid financial pressures. The series explores modern soap opera themes such as betrayal, addiction, forbidden romance, career ambition, and a pervasive murder mystery that drives the narrative tension. These motifs underscore the characters' personal and professional struggles, with recurring elements of and illicit relationships amplifying the communal unease within the apartment complex. The central murder mystery pays homage to the original's dramatic style while integrating contemporary issues like economic desperation and moral compromises. Visually, the production features sultry lighting to evoke a seductive nighttime atmosphere, complemented by fast-paced that heightens the of scenes in shared spaces. This stylistic approach enhances the show's campy, zesty tone, focusing on dynamic around the pool and other communal areas to build suspense and interpersonal intrigue. Evolving from the original, the 2009 version incorporates 2000s-era updates like subtle hints of social media's role in relationships and greater representation of diverse sexual orientations, including bisexual and gay characters, to modernize the interpersonal motifs. These elements maintain the series' ties to its predecessor's West Hollywood backdrop while addressing broader societal shifts in connectivity and inclusivity.

Plot Overview

The 2009 revival of centers on a group of young professionals living in the iconic West Hollywood apartment complex at 4616 , whose lives become intertwined with the investigation into the murder of (), a former resident whose body is discovered floating in the building's pool during the . This shocking event, echoing the original series' dramatic tone, immediately implicates the tenants as police question their alibis and uncover hidden connections to the victim, fostering and fractured relationships among the residents. Throughout the season, key narrative arcs explore the personal and professional struggles of the main characters amid the ongoing murder mystery. Publicist Ella Simms (Katie Cassidy) navigates a series of professional scandals at her PR firm WPK, including office politics and ethical compromises that threaten her career ascent. Elementary school teacher Riley Richmond (Jessica Lucas) grapples with a complicated romance involving chef Auggie Kirkpatrick (Colin Egglesfield), complicated by secrets and her existing relationship with aspiring filmmaker Jonah Miller (Michael Rady), who pursues Hollywood opportunities while dealing with creative setbacks. Meanwhile, medical student Lauren Yung (Stephanie Jacobsen) faces ethical dilemmas in funding her education through prostitution, intersecting with entrepreneur David Breck's (Shaun Sipos) escalating financial troubles tied to his involvement in thefts, and newcomer Violet Foster's (Ashlee Simpson-Wentz) emotional instability stemming from her enigmatic past. The return of Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear), the original series' formidable antagonist, adds layers of conflict as she reemerges from New York to oversee WPK's branch, reigniting old grudges and manipulating events to assert her influence over the residents. Her presence stirs up past traumas linked to and escalates the interpersonal tensions within the complex. The season's narrative builds across 18 episodes toward a climactic revelation of Sydney's killer, resolving the central mystery while leaving the characters' romantic entanglements, career ambitions, and personal betrayals unresolved, hinting at potential future developments in the event of renewal.

Episodes

Broadcast Details

The series premiered on on September 8, 2009, airing Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT immediately following 90210 as part of the network's programming block designed to attract a similar demographic through back-to-back dramas. The CW initially ordered 13 episodes upon picking up the series for its 2009–10 season in May 2009. On October 21, 2009, the network commissioned five additional episodes, expanding the first season to a full 18-episode run. Melrose Place aired its first 12 episodes from September 8 to December 8, 2009, before entering a mid-season hiatus. The series returned on March 9, 2010, and broadcast the remaining six episodes weekly, with the season finale airing on April 13, 2010. The hiatus allowed time for production of the additional episodes while aligning with the network's scheduling for other programming.

Episode List

The first and only season of Melrose Place (2009) consists of 18 episodes, which aired on The CW from September 8, 2009, to April 13, 2010.
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateViewers (millions)SynopsisNotable guest stars
1PilotDavis GuggenheimDarren Star, Todd Slavkin, Darren SwimmerSeptember 8, 20092.3Introduces the residents of 4616 Melrose Place and their personal struggles, centered around the discovery of a body in the apartment pool that sparks a murder investigation.None
2NightingaleGreg BeemanDarren Star, Liz TigelaarSeptember 15, 20091.61Ella pursues a major client for her PR firm, David considers a risky heist to pay off debts, Lauren grapples with medical school expenses, and Violet's peculiar actions draw suspicion.None
3GrandAllan ArkushCaroline DriesSeptember 22, 20091.46Jonah and Riley argue over their engagement announcement, Ella enlists Jonah to direct a music video for a client, and Violet makes advances toward Auggie.None
4VineJason EnslerCaprice CraneSeptember 29, 20091.35The arrival of Jane Mancini disrupts Ella's professional life, Violet dodges questions from the police about the pool incident, and Lauren crosses paths with a Hollywood escort service operator.Josie Bissett as Jane Mancini
5CanonDavid BarrettDavid CallawayOctober 6, 20091.30Ella faces police interrogation regarding Sydney's death, Jonah is suspected of stealing equipment from a shoot, and Violet undermines a colleague at work.None
6ShorelinePatrick R. NorrisRina MimounOctober 13, 20091.26Riley auditions for a jeans ad campaign, Jonah takes on directing a commercial, and Lauren and David keep their secrets hidden during a yacht outing.None
7WindsorGreg BeemanKatie WechOctober 20, 20091.24Riley's jeans photoshoot brings tension with photographer Jo Reynolds, Jonah connects with a film producer, and Violet continues her pursuit of Auggie.Daphne Zuniga as Jo Reynolds
8GowerDavid PaymerRyan JohnsonNovember 3, 20091.20A wedding photography gig heightens conflicts between Riley and Jonah, Ella probes Lauren's sudden spending habits, and David worries about his involvement in Sydney's demise.None
9OceanAllan ArkushCaprice CraneNovember 10, 20091.18Evidence points to Auggie as a suspect in the murder, Jonah fakes an engagement to assist Ella professionally, and Lauren aids David with issues involving his half-brother.None
10CahuengaDavid BarrettLiz TigelaarNovember 17, 20091.41Amanda Woodward returns and shakes up the agency by firing staff, Riley resists a promotional stunt, and Auggie gives in to Violet's seduction.Heather Locklear as Amanda Woodward
11JuneGreg BeemanCaroline DriesDecember 1, 20091.15Amanda sets her sights on David, Violet confronts her stepbrother, and Ella recruits Jonah to gather intel on Amanda's dealings.None
12San VicenteJason EnslerTodd Slavkin, Darren SwimmerDecember 8, 20091.12Jonah and Riley discuss eloping, Lauren is unknowingly drugged during an evening out, and Auggie shares a confession with Riley as murder details emerge.None
13OriolePatrick R. NorrisRina MimounMarch 9, 20101.10Amanda throws a high-profile party at the complex, Jonah admits to an indiscretion, and Lauren deals with the aftermath of an overdose.Heather Locklear as Amanda Woodward
14Stoner CanyonDavid PaymerDavid CallawayMarch 16, 20101.08A new resident, Drew, moves into the building, Lauren decides to end her escort work, and Jonah's screenplay attracts interest amid romantic strains.Nick Zano as Drew
15MulhollandBethany RooneyKatie WechMarch 23, 20101.06Ella reevaluates her romantic options, Michael issues threats to Lauren, and Amanda confronts potential financial collapse.Jack Wagner as Dr. Michael Mancini
16Santa FeGreg BeemanRyan JohnsonMarch 30, 20101.04Ella probes into possible embezzlement at her firm, Jonah hosts a launch party for his project, and Lauren navigates Michael's ongoing demands.None
17SepulvedaAllan ArkushLiz TigelaarApril 6, 20101.02Lauren opens up to David about her choices, Ella works to restore her reputation, and Riley's charity event encounters obstacles.None
18WilshireGreg BeemanTodd Slavkin, Darren SwimmerApril 13, 20101.00Ella leverages information to pressure Amanda, Drew experiences a medical emergency, and David attempts to mend things with Lauren as fresh dangers arise.Heather Locklear as Amanda Woodward

Reception

Nielsen Ratings

The 2009 revival of premiered on September 8, 2009, attracting 2.3 million viewers and a 1.3 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, marking a solid but not exceptional debut for in the key Tuesday 9 p.m. ET slot. This performance placed it second among women 18-34 for the hour but fell short of broader network expectations, especially following the lead-in from the second-season premiere of 90210, which drew 2.6 million viewers. Throughout its single 18-episode season, viewership trended downward, averaging 1.2 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating in adults 18-49, ranking it 121st among all primetime series for the 2009-10 broadcast season according to . The series finale on April 13, 2010, drew a series-low 860,000 viewers, reflecting sustained erosion in audience interest. Compared to 90210, which maintained stronger retention with an average of around 2 million viewers that season, Melrose Place underperformed significantly in both total audience and demographic delivery, contributing to its perception as a ratings . Weekly fluctuations were notable, with early episodes showing sharper declines—dropping to 1.8 million viewers in week two—before occasional upticks, such as the November 17, 2009, episode featuring 's return as Amanda Woodward, which boosted viewership to 1.5 million, a 20% increase from the prior week's 1.3 million. Mid-season episodes often dipped below 1.3 million, highlighting inconsistent engagement amid the soap's evolving storylines. These low overall metrics were cited as a primary factor in the network's decision to cancel the series after one season.

Critical Response

The 2009 reboot of Melrose Place received mixed reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 55 out of 100 based on 24 reviews and a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, both indicating "mixed or average" reception. Reviewers often noted the series' appeal as light, escapist entertainment, though many felt it struggled to stand out in a crowded field of similar CW dramas. Critics praised the show's soapy, tawdry fun and its attractive , which included both new faces and nostalgic returns from the original series, providing a guilty-pleasure vibe for longtime fans. Variety highlighted how the premiere assembled a "highly attractive cast and rapidly thrust it into tawdry situations," suggesting it was "probably better than it ought to be" through sly homages to its roots without being overly beholden to the past. awarded the pilot a B grade, commending its "cannily crammed" mix of stars across generations and skillful management of multiple subplots in the murder-mystery opener. gave the episode an 8.5 out of 10, appreciating the strong dramatic potential and intriguing setup revolving around the death of a returning character. However, common criticisms focused on shallow character development, predictable plotting, and a failure to recapture the original's over-the-top camp while feeling too derivative. observed that while the reboot looked slicker with improved acting, it largely operated at the same "glorious mind gunk" level as its predecessor, retaining zesty camp but lacking significant evolution. Variety echoed this by noting that only a few ensemble members truly registered amid indistinguishable CW-style drama, with situations unlikely to engage viewers not already inclined toward such fare. Aggregate sentiments on included complaints of "laughably bad acting" and "bland storylines," underscoring the mixed buzz that accompanied its moderate ratings performance.

Cancellation and Legacy

Cancellation

On May 20, 2010, The CW announced the cancellation of Melrose Place after its , despite the production of a full order of 18 episodes. The network confirmed during its upfront presentation that the series would not return, marking the end of the just eight months after its September 2009 premiere. The primary reasons for the cancellation were the show's persistently low viewership numbers, which declined steadily from an initial 2.3 million viewers for the pilot to a season low of 860,000 by April 2010. This failure to sustain even modest audience levels, particularly in the key 18-49 demographic where episodes often scored below a 0.5 rating, prevented the series from building on the lead-in success of 90210, which maintained steadier ratings in the same time slot. The CW's statement highlighted these underwhelming metrics as unsustainable for continuation. In the immediate aftermath, the completed episodes aired through their scheduled run without alteration, but the abrupt non-renewal freed cast members from their contracts, enabling them to pursue other opportunities in television and film. The network's upfronts emphasized a strategic pivot toward new programming in genres like action dramas and competitive stories, signaling a departure from the prime-time soap format exemplified by .

Revival Attempts and Impact

Following its cancellation in 2010, efforts to revive the Melrose Place franchise persisted, though none materialized until recent developments. In April 2024, CBS Studios announced a new reboot in early stages of development, reuniting original cast members Heather Locklear as Amanda Woodward, Laura Leighton as Sydney Andrews, and Daphne Zuniga as Jo Reynolds. The project, penned by Insatiable creator Lauren Gussis, centers on the residents grappling with the sudden death of a close friend, blending nostalgic callbacks with contemporary drama. In September 2024, original cast members reunited at '90s Con and teased the revival. As of August 2025, Heather Locklear expressed continued interest in the project during a panel discussion. However, as of November 2025, no network or streaming commitment or air date has been set. The 2009 series, despite its brief run, contributed to the broader cultural footprint of the Melrose Place franchise by fueling fan nostalgia for 1990s primetime soaps amid a wave of revivals. DVD and Blu-ray releases, including a complete season set issued in , have enabled viewers to revisit the show's soapy intrigue, sustaining interest among audiences drawn to its mix of glamour and . Ashlee Simpson's portrayal of the manipulative Violet Foster garnered significant attention, though it faced sharp criticism for her acting, often described as "embarrassingly bad" by insiders and reviewers, which has since become a point of online discussion and retrospective mockery. In terms of legacy, the series' swift demise after one season—averaging under 1.5 million viewers—highlighted the challenges of rebooting iconic properties, as it struggled to capture the original's campy appeal while appealing to new demographics. However, its bold opening murder twist, involving the apparent faked-then-real death of , was praised for injecting immediate suspense and differentiating it from formulaic soaps, earning nods as a "tasty " that modernized the genre's dramatic excess.

Distribution

International Syndication

The 2009 revival of Melrose Place found limited international syndication following its short U.S. run, with airings primarily on cable networks in select markets during the late 2000s and early 2010s. In Canada, the series premiered on Global Television on September 8, 2009, airing episodes concurrently with their U.S. debut to capitalize on cross-border interest in CW programming. Reruns continued on the network into 2010, aligning with the show's focus on dramatic relationships that appealed to North American audiences familiar with the original 1990s series. The series was also broadcast in the on channel beginning January 19, 2010, at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, later shifting to 10:00 p.m., targeting viewers interested in soap-style narratives. Dubbed versions appeared in European markets, including on the channel in 2011, where it was adapted for local audiences during Monday evening slots. Reception abroad was moderate, particularly in soap-loving regions like , where the show aired on starting November 10, 2009, across 26 countries with subtitles in Spanish, , and French. However, its limited 18-episode run constrained broader popularity, and no major international adaptations were produced. Syndication history included cable reruns throughout the in various markets, but interest faded by the as streaming options overshadowed traditional broadcasts.

Home Media and Streaming

The 2009 revival of Melrose Place received a limited home media release in the form of a complete series DVD from in 2010, encompassing all 18 episodes across five discs and available in Regions 1, 2, and 4. No Blu-ray edition was produced or distributed by the studio. Streaming options for the series expanded in the digital era, with availability on free ad-supported platforms and beginning in 2020, allowing viewers access to the full season without subscription costs. As of November 2025, the series is not available on major U.S. streaming services, including Paramount+, , or . Internationally, home media distribution was restricted, with limited DVD editions in 2 and 4 markets but without additional special features or widespread retail . Amid renewed interest from revival discussions involving original cast members, industry reports indicated potential for broader digital restorations or new physical editions, though no such expansions or announcements had materialized by late 2025.

References

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  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1388782/fullcredits/
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  12. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/katie-cassidy-steven-mcqueen-land-80016/
  13. https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/jessica-lucas-moves-into-melrose-place-idUSTRE52H0YA/
  14. https://variety.com/2009/tv/news/cw-tv-pilots-2009-2010-1118000336/
  15. https://ew.com/article/2009/03/09/ashlee-simpson-3/
  16. https://variety.com/2009/scene/markets-festivals/melrose-place-4-1200476422/
  17. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/show-tracker/story/2009-09-22/heather-locklear-reprises-her-role-as-amanda-woodward-on-melrose-place
  18. https://la.curbed.com/2009/9/9/10533346/buildingspotter-melrose-place-is-in-los-feliz
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1388782/releaseinfo/
  20. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-17-et-melrose17-story.html
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1486346/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1494105/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1514326/plotsummary/
  24. https://ew.com/article/2009/11/17/amanda-melrose-place-pop-culture/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1556320/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1148573/bio/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1140300/bio/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1089338/bio/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1640279/
  30. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/ashlee-simpson/
  31. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/18109-melrose-place/season/1/cast
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1388782/fullcredits
  33. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/61852-nicholas-gonzalez?language=en-US
  34. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/107383/melrose-place-detective-james-rodriguez
  35. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/107390/melrose-place-caleb-brewer
  36. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/200798/melrose-place-drew-pragin
  37. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/nick-zano/
  38. https://www.tvmaze.com/people/12400/jason-olive
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/arts/television/08melrose.html
  40. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/melrose-place-2009
  41. https://ew.com/article/2009/09/04/melrose-place-2/
  42. https://ew.com/article/2009/09/08/melrose-place-recap-sydneys-back-but-not-for-long/
  43. https://www.thefutoncritic.com/reviews/2009/06/19/the-futons-first-look-melrose-place-the-cw-31747/20090619_melroseplace/
  44. https://ew.com/article/2009/11/18/melrose-place-bitch-is-back/
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1388782/episodes/
  46. https://ew.com/article/2009/05/21/the-cw-announce/
  47. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cw-announces-fall-premiere-dates-51767/
  48. https://www.givememyremote.com/remote/2009/05/21/the-cw-announced-its-2009-2010-tv-schedule/
  49. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/show-tracker/story/2009-10-21/the-cw-orders-a-full-season-of-vampire-diaries-and-more-melrose-place-episodes
  50. https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/1260/melrose-place/episodes
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1460701/
  52. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/show-tracker/story/2009-09-09/ratings-quick-hit-melrose-place-debuts-in-the-shallow-end
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1465087/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1485402/
  55. https://ew.com/article/2009/11/18/ratings-heather-locklear-boosts-melrose-place-viewership/
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1618232/
  57. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/arts/television/10arts-WHEREDIDMELR_BRF.html
  58. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/melrose-place-90210-draw-average-52156/
  59. https://deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season-44277/
  60. https://www.tvinsider.com/1185370/the-cw-melrose-place-revival-what-went-wrong/
  61. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/biggest-loser-returns-higher-melrose-52235/
  62. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/locklear-barely-boosts-melrose-v-52600/
  63. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/melrose-place/
  64. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/04/melrose-place-pilot-review
  65. https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/19/upfronts-cw-orders-two-series-cancels-melrose-place/
  66. https://www.welovesoaps.tv/2009/09/tuesday-ratings-90210-steady-melrose.html
  67. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13299287/look-disastrous-2009-Melrose-Place-Heather-Locklear-Ashlee-Simpson.html
  68. https://deadline.com/2024/04/melrose-place-reboot-heather-locklear-laura-leighton-daphne-zuniga-1235880535/
  69. https://people.com/melrose-place-revival-in-the-works-with-heather-locklear-laura-leighton-daphne-zuniga-8629989
  70. https://deadline.com/2024/09/melrose-place-cast-teases-revival-reboot-1236088168/
  71. https://parade.com/news/heather-locklear-gives-candid-answer-about-possible-melrose-place-reboot
  72. https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/40782/melroseplace.html
  73. https://www.today.com/popculture/ashlee-was-embarrassingly-bad-melrose-wbna33591887
  74. https://eclipsemagazine.com/melrose-place-a-tasty-guilty-pleasure-so-where-are-the-viewers/
  75. https://globalnews.ca/news/77005/melrose-place-4/
  76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVzc7ZfO04U
  77. http://www.tellytalk.net/threads/soap-scheduling-in-your-country.2794/
  78. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/melrose-place
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