With New York as its backdrop, Six Degrees has a perfect set-up for a study of intimacy. The show closely examines the ties that bind and follows the characters as they attempt to put their fragmented lives back together; the result is a distinctly likeable, affable series that could hook fans simply on the strength of its stellar casting. That said, it's difficult to imagine how well the original conceit -- everyone's connected to one another -- will play out over the long term. Also, even in the era of serialized dramas, six lead characters may be a few too many for some viewers to keep track of.

Either way, Six Degrees isn't really for kids. While the show leans more toward Abrams' dramatic side (Felicity, What About Brian) than toward his thrillers (Lost, Alias), its themes and plotlines cover decidedly mature topics -- gambling and substance abuse, cheating, crime, coping with grief, and more.