Life Unexpected

San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa TimesChuck Barney

Lux is one of those cute, quippy, ultra-mature teens you find only on TV. And several plot points unfortunately come across as false. But it doesn't matter. The lead characters in Life Unexpected are so likable, and the interactions between them feel so natural, that you find yourself willing to give the show lots of slack.

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

The show works, in its own hokey, feel-good, alt-soundtrack way.

Hollywood ReporterRandee Dawn

Life's clean, clear storytelling is worth a go-around.

Los Angeles TimesMary McNamara

The smart, insightful writing of Liz Tigelaar, the crisp and vibrant exteriors of Portland and the palpable chemistry between all the leads combine to make it, dare I say, lovable, an entertaining hour that might even offer a few insights into the complicated ties of desire and regret, friends and family.

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

Life Unexpected is TV pleasure unexpected.

Newark Star-LedgerAlan Sepinwall

Life Unexpected turns out to be a warm, sweet, fun family dramedy. The three leads are very likable, the stakes just high enough for the show to not seem inconsequential

TV GuideMatt Roush

There’s plenty of life in this deluxe entertainment, with each episode expanding the world of friends and family who have a stake in Lux’s future. So far, I find myself rooting for just about everyone in this feel-good show that’s refreshingly unafraid to wear its feelings openly.

USA TodayRobert Bianco

There is pleasure to be found in Life. There'd be even more, though, if a few more of us were invited in.

Chicago Sun-TimesPaige Wiser

Although the show is somewhat predictable, Polaha adds a great deal of laid-back charm that lightens the mood.

People WeeklyTom Gliatto

The tenuousness of the situation, and the underlying hope for emotional growth by all, makes for a touching hour. [25 Jan 2010, p.43]

Chicago TribuneMaureen Ryan

This cast is so good, especially Polaha and Appleby, that by the third episode it was surprisingly easy to put aside the lingering questions I had and tolerate the fact that at that stage, some of the supporting characters still came close to being caricatures.

Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm

It can be obvious, sometime a little plodding, but its heart is bigger than all of Lux, and it's the kind of show parents and kids can watch together without anybody saying, "Ewww."; With the name Life Unexpected, it actually is an unexpected pleasure.

Deseret NewsScott D. Pierce

The pilot is good; Episodes 2 and 3 aren't as good. But it has potential.

Washington PostHank Stuever

It's a pleasant mix of a little "Juno" hipitude and a lot of "Everwood" glow, and just when it comes dangerously close to feeling like an excessively cool tampon commercial, its characters compel you to keep watching.

The New York TimesMike Hale

CW shows tend to walk a thin line between escapism and soap opera, and after its witty pilot the show spends Episodes 2 and 3 massaging the tear ducts, hard. But there is the potential for something at least as good as “Gilmore Girls."

NewsdayVerne Gay

The cast has major potential, but Life Unexpected still needs to find an original and compelling voice.

VarietyBrian Lowry

Despite its modest merits, Life ultimately spends most of its time paddling in the shallow end of the dramatic gene pool.

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

Robertson is a find. She capably plays both Lux's world-weary, snarky attitude and her vulnerability. She's a large part of what makes Life Unexpected a minor delight, even if its charms are entirely expected.

San Francisco ChronicleTim Goodman

Unfortunately, Life Unexpected took all of the schmaltz of "Gilmore Girls" and expanded it several hundred times over, forgetting to insert any of the quirk and only a smidge of the smart banter.

PopMattersCynthia Fuchs

The connections are sudden, relationships shallow, and dialogue glib.