Watch The L.A. Complex

The L.A. Complex is a drama series from The CW that premiered in 2012. It revolves around a group of young adults struggling to make it in Los Angeles, while chasing their dreams and dealing with personal demons. With an ensemble cast featuring Jonathan Patrick Moore, Joe Dinicol, Andra Fuller, Cassie Steele, Jewel Staite, Chelan Simmons, Benjamin Charles Watson, the show paints a realistic and gritty portrait of life in the entertainment capital of the world.

The series is set in an apartment complex called The Lux, which serves as a melting pot of struggling actors, musicians, comedians, and writers, all trying to make a name for themselves. The main protagonist is Abigail "Abby" Vargas (Cassie Steele), a naive and ambitious Canadian actress who moves to L.A. with the hope of jumpstarting her career. She quickly finds herself in over her head, as she struggles to land auditions and deal with the cutthroat competition and rejection.

Meanwhile, Nick Wagner (Joe Dinicol) is a struggling stand-up comedian who also moves into The Lux. He befriends Abby and helps her navigate the harsh realities of show business. However, Nick also has his own demons to face, including drug addiction and a dysfunctional relationship with his ex-girlfriend, who is also a struggling actress.

Kaldrick King (Andra Fuller) is a successful rapper who lives in The Lux but is haunted by his troubled past. He struggles with the effects of childhood trauma and internalized homophobia, which puts his career and relationships in jeopardy. Raquel Westbrook (Jewel Staite) is a former child star who is struggling to make a comeback in Hollywood. She is determined to prove her worth as a serious actress, but her difficult personality and personal issues make it hard for her to land roles.

Tariq Muhammad (Benjamin Charles Watson) is a music producer who connects with Kaldrick and helps him with his music. He is also dealing with his own romantic entanglements, as he falls for a fellow resident of The Lux, Camille (Chelan Simmons), a dancer with dreams of making it big.

The L.A. Complex is a raw and realistic portrayal of the struggles of young adults trying to make it in L.A. The show tackles sensitive and timely issues such as drug addiction, mental health, homophobia, and sexual harassment with a nuanced and compassionate approach. The writing is sharp and the acting is top-notch, with a talented cast that brings the characters to life in a believable and relatable way.

The show also provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, showing the ups and downs of auditioning, networking, and navigating the complex power dynamics of Hollywood. From sleazy casting directors to predatory managers, the show doesn't shy away from exposing the darker side of the industry, while also celebrating the resilience and creativity of its characters.

Overall, The L.A. Complex is a gripping drama that offers a fresh and honest perspective on the challenges of young adulthood and the pursuit of dreams. With its compelling storyline, complex characters, and powerful message, it is a must-watch for anyone who wants to explore the highs and lows of the human experience.

The L.A. Complex is a series that ran for 2 seasons (19 episodes) between January 10, 2012 and on The CW