Tonight’s lone fall premiere is the loathsomely titled “The Beautiful Life: TBL.” Yes, the acronym is in the title, and there’s nothing desperate about that. It’s not like they’re trying to create a buzz-worthy nickname for the show or anything. They’re just being helpful! It took viewers YEARS to learn that “ANTM” was easier to type than “America’s Next Top Model,” and I’m surprised anyone ever figured out “SYTYCD”! So, thanks network that somehow came up with “CW” by combining CBS and Warner Bros. You’re the best.

As for the show, it’s some bullshit about the world of modeling and fashion and stars Mischa Barton as a supermodel. A supermodel! Mischa Barton!

OK…the character’s a has-been supermodel, and Mischa Barton does have the charisma of a mannequin, so I suppose that casting isn’t too far-fetched. It’s just too bad she’s actually required to act. And it doesn’t help that the whole thing looks absolutely awful.

“The Beautiful Life: TBL” premieres at 9 P.M. on the CW.

the author

Rain Jokinen watches a lot of television and movies and then writes things about them on the Internet. She's a San Francisco native, and yeah, she'll rub that fact in your face any chance she gets.

Please make sure your comment adheres to our comment policy. If it doesn't, it may be deleted. Repeat violations may cause us to revoke your commenting privileges. No one wants that!