TV
Hidden Palms
Published Saturday, Sep 23 2006, 12:00 BST | By Neil Wilkes | 3 comments

Cast: Michael Cassidy as Cliff Wiatt, Taylor Handley as Johnny Miller, Amber Heard as Greta, Sharon Lawrence as Tess Wiatt, D.W. Moffet as Bob Hardy, Gail OGrady as Karen Hardy, Ellary Porterfield as Liza Witter, and Cheryl White as Helen Witter
Airs: The CW from midseason
Timeslot competition: Unknown
UK pickup? Sky One
Plot in a nutshell: Johnny relocates to Palm Springs, a gated community with some dark secrets.
What's it all about? Following the suicide of his alcoholic father, 17-year-old Johnny moves to the gated community of Palm Springs with his mother. There he encounters a new social setting and a community with some dark secrets. His next-door neighbour Cliff has a hidden sinister side while the outwardly confident Greta spars with Johnny in a bout of psychological powerplay.
Does it work? Make no mistake, this show is an O.C. clone. It has a similar opening sequence, similar theme music, similar dramatic moments and even three former cast members. But unlike most clones, this series actually manages to capture the zeitgeist. It's everything that made The O.C. so great in its early life, with a good balance of mystery, emotional drama, comedic moments and - the most crucial ingredient - eye candy. As far as guilty pleasures go, this ranks amongst the best of the season.
You'll like this if you liked... The O.C. at its best
Chances of success: Given the right marketing and a decent slot, this could do very well. At a time when The O.C. is heading downhill (and in the direction of cancellation), this could be an opportune moment for Hidden Palms to come along and fill the Seth Cohen-shaped void. Over here it may appear to be an odd choice for Sky One - such a show is normally destined for the likes of E4 - but could well bring in the young female demographic the channel fails to cater for at present.

More: TV, USA: 2006-07 TV Previews
Your Views
3 Comments
Your Responses
Peach, London, on December 24th, 2006
I love Michael Cassidy! He was Zack in series 2 of the OC. He's so hot.
I love Michael Cassidy! He was Zack in series 2 of the OC. He's so hot.
Laura, on September 26th, 2006
It really is an oc clone. That's Oliver!!!
It really is an oc clone. That's Oliver!!!





It looks quite interesting, I might watch it when it comes to the UK, but nothing can ever replace The O.C- and using cast members from The O.C in a new programme like it- can't they find anyone new?!?!