Life UneXpected

Watch Life UneXpected

  • TV-PG
  • 2010
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.5  (15,635)

Life UneXpected is a heartwarming drama series from The CW that revolves around the life of Lux Cassidy (Britt Robertson), a foster child who seeks to emancipate herself on her 16th birthday. However, in order to do so, she must locate her birth parents and have them sign the necessary papers. This sets her on a unique journey that throws her into a world she never knew and introduces her to people who will impact her life in ways she never expected.

The show is set in Portland, Oregon, where Lux has been bouncing from one foster home to another for most of her life. Her latest foster parents are married radio personalities Cate (Shiri Appleby) and Ryan (Kerr Smith), who were high school sweethearts and have their own issues to deal with. Cate is struggling to keep up with the demands of her job, while Ryan is grappling with the fact that he might be infertile.

Life UneXpected is a show that explores the complexities of relationships - between parents and children, siblings, partners, and even friends. As Lux delves into her birth family's history, she discovers that her father, Nate 'Baze' Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha), is a bartender who has never really grown up. Her mother, on the other hand, is a free-spirited artist named Cate Casity, who has no idea that Lux even exists.

The show not only explores the dynamics of Lux's relationship with her birth parents but also brings forth the challenges that Baze and Cate face as they try to navigate the responsibilities of parenthood. Despite being complete strangers, Lux's birth parents eventually come to terms with their past and begin to bond with their daughter. However, it's not a smooth ride for any of them as they grapple with their own guilt, insecurities, and fears.

Throughout the series, we see Lux forming relationships with other important people in her life, including her best friend Tasha (Ksenia Solo) and her boyfriend Jones (Austin Butler). Along with that, we see Cate and Ryan's relationship in flux as they try to figure out how to deal with their own issues while trying to be there for Lux.

One of the interesting aspects of the show is the dynamic between Lux and her foster parents. While it's clear that they genuinely care for her, there is always an underlying tension between them. This is especially evident in Cate's relationship with Lux, which is marred by guilt, jealousy, and a deep sense of responsibility. At the same time, Ryan takes on the role of a mediator, trying to bridge the gap between the two women.

The show's cast is top-notch, with Britt Robertson shining in the role of Lux. She brings a sense of vulnerability and strength to the character, making her highly relatable. Shiri Appleby is equally impressive as Cate, portraying her character's emotional turmoil with great sensitivity. Kristoffer Polaha brings a certain charm to the role of Baze, making him endearing despite his flaws.

Overall, Life UneXpected is a heartwarming show that deals with complex issues in a nuanced and compassionate manner. It's a show that will make you laugh, cry, and root for its characters as they navigate the ups and downs of life. With its excellent performances, well-written scripts, and engaging storyline, it's a show that will stay with you long after it's over.

Life UneXpected is a series that ran for 2 seasons (26 episodes) between January 18, 2010 and on The CW

Life UneXpected
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Seasons
Affair Remembered
13. Affair Remembered
January 18, 2011
In Part 2 of the season finale, Baze considers buying a house and planning a future with Emma, unaware of Emma's devastating secret about her romantic past with his father. Sensing that Eric is once again pulling away from their relationship, Lux plans a romantic dinner for the two of them, but is surprised when Baze and Cate show up at the door.
Teacher Schooled
12. Teacher Schooled
January 18, 2011
In Part 1 of the season finale, Baze considers buying a house and planning a future with Emma, unaware of Emma's devastating secret about her romantic past with his father. Sensing that Eric is once again pulling away from their relationship, Lux plans a romantic dinner for the two of them, but is surprised when Baze and Cate show up at the door.
Stand Taken
11. Stand Taken
December 7, 2010
Lux and Tasha are forced to deal with responsibility of their recent actions and the potential outcome could change their lives forever. As a result, Lux can no longer hide her past from Cate and Baze.
Thanks Ungiven
10. Thanks Ungiven
November 30, 2010
Several big secrets are exposed when Baze hosts Thanksgiving dinner at his loft. Baze is afraid that his father, Jack, will find out that he's dating his boss, Emma; Lux is concerned that her parents will find out that she's dating Eric; Tasha worries that a dark secret from her recent past will be discovered; and Cate worries that telling Ryan the truth would further complicate their strained marriage.
Homecoming Crashed
9. Homecoming Crashed
November 16, 2010
Baze and Emma attempt to sign a high-profile client, Candy, who is infatuated with Baze. Lux goes to her homecoming dance hoping to see Eric but the evening doesn't go as planned. Cate explores Lux's past and is shocked at what she discovers.
Plumber Cracked
8. Plumber Cracked
November 9, 2010
Hoping Paige will spill information about Julia, the mysterious woman from Ryan's past, Cate takes Paige out drinking. Meanwhile, Ryan joins Baze, Math and Jamie for guys' night out.
Camp Grounded
7. Camp Grounded
November 2, 2010
Cate, Baze, Ryan and Math volunteer to be chaperones on Lux's school camping trip.
Honeymoon Interrupted
6. Honeymoon Interrupted
October 19, 2010
Cate and Ryan to a local hotel to help make up for the fact that they never had a proper honeymoon. Unfortunately for them, Baze's work retreat is at the same hotel.
Music Faced
5. Music Faced
October 12, 2010
Ryan hosts a music festival for a Portland radio station, which features One Tree Hill's Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) and Mia (Kate Voegele). When Cate meets Haley at the festival, the two learn they have a lot in common. Cate reaches out to Haley for advice when one of Cate's secrets gets out. In addition to Galeotti and Voegele, the festival's other music performers include Sarah McLachlan, Ben Lee, and Rain Perry.
Team Rebounded
4. Team Rebounded
October 5, 2010
Trying to fix their hostile work relationship, Cate attempts to bond with Ryan's new on-air partner, Kelly, but the plan backfires when Kelly reveals a secret Cate has been hiding from Ryan. Meanwhile, Tasha returns to Portland unexpectedly and tells Lux that she is living with a new foster family.
Criminal Incriminated
3. Criminal Incriminated
September 28, 2010
Lux considers cheating on an important exam that she needs to pass to stay in school. Cate accidentally eats some bread that contains pot, which leads to an "unusual" day at the radio station. Ryan and Cate argue about who may have taken a large amount of cash that's missing from Cate's purse.
Parents Unemployed
2. Parents Unemployed
September 21, 2010
Cate and Baze are called to the principal's office of Lux's school, to find out that Lux is failing and is at risk of being kicked out. Meanwhile, after the radio situation Cate starts to look for a new job, and trying to be more grown up, Baze goes to an interview in his father's firm.
Ocean Uncharted
1. Ocean Uncharted
September 14, 2010
In the season premiere, Cate and Ryan return from their honeymoon only to discover that major changes have been made at the radio station in their absence. A very confused Baze struggles with his feelings for Cate, and ends up hooking up with the hot new bartender, Paige, at his bar.
Description
Where to Watch Life UneXpected
Life UneXpected is available for streaming on the The CW website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Life UneXpected on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime and CW Seed.
  • Premiere Date
    January 18, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (15,635)