South Beach (UPN)

The glitzy, sun-kissed world of SOUTH BEACH is an escape into a world of sex, crime, and money. Characters are young and beautiful, each pursuing their own dreams, which include modeling, hotel management, building a college savings, and climbing the ladder of a crime family. The pilot starts in Brooklyn when Matt learns that his father has gambled away the savings Matt has saved for college, so he jumps into the car of his shifty friend Vincent, who is on his way to South Beach. That night they stumble onto Matt's former girlfriend, Arielle, who left New York to pursue modeling in South Beach. She has now taken up with Alex, who manages a hot nightclub in a swanky beach resort owned by his mother Elizabeth, played by Vanessa Williams.

In the show's favor, the producers have captured the color and richness of the Latin community in south Florida. Many of the main characters are bilingual and use their knowledge of Spanish to get them out of sticky situations. Also, characters of color are both heroes/heroines, which provides a refreshing change from Hollywood's usual portrayal of Latino characters as villains.

Still, South Beach is about two things -- sex and money. It's not appropriate for kids. And with its predictable storylines and lack of character development, it's a waste of time for mature viewers, as well.

TV Rating: TV-14
Network: UPN
Cast: Chris J. Johnson, Marcus Coloma, Vanessa Williams
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: UPN