CBS's Viva Laughlin

On Thursday, October 18th at 10pm et/pt, CBS will premiere a musical comedy drama entitled, "Viva Laughlin". This is based on the British series entitled, "Viva Blackpool". In May of this year, CBS ordered 13 episodes of this show. Let's see what viewers will have to look forward to with, "Viva Laughlin".

This one hour series revolves around the life of businessman Ripley Holden who likes to take chances. He aspires to launch his own casino in Laughlin, Nevada. This dream might actually be a reality if it weren't for one of his shareholders who decides to pull out. The casino isn't quite ready yet and where will Ripley come up with a large amount of money and fast??

Well there might be a few people who can assist Ripley. There's Bunny, his old flame (played by the infectious Melanie Griffith) he can contact. Ripley's wife might have a problem with this. If that doesn't work out, maybe he can get in touch with Nicky Fontana, who is a casino owner but happens to be Ripley's competitor.

As if Ripley doesn't have enough on his plate to deal with, the shareholder that pulled out of his new venture has turned up dead. Guess who the police are looking at? Then there are a few problems at home with his wife and daughter, while his son seems to be the only silver lining in his life right now. That about covers it! Oh and did I mention that ever now and then the characters will break out in song?

"Viva Laughlin" stars Lloyd Owen ("The Innocence Project" and "Miss Potter), Madchen Amick ("Kidnapped" and "Freddie"), Ellen Woglom ("Cold Case"), Carter Jenkins ("CSI: Miami"), Eric Winter ("Brothers & Sisters"), D.B. Woodside ("24"), Hugh Jackman, Melanie Griffith and P.J. Byrne ("The Game"). "Viva Laughlin" is executive produced by Bob Lowry ("The Black Donnellys" and "Huff"), Peter Bowker, Hugh Jackman, John Palermo ("X-Men: The Last Stand"), Paul Telegdy ("The Thick of It") as well as Gabriele Muccino ("The Last Kiss").

How well will "Viva Laughlin" do for the network? This show premieres on a Thursday but CBS will air another new episode the following Sunday at 8pm which will then be its regular time slot. It airs against ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and FOX's "The Simpsons" as well as "King of the Hill". I've read some bad reviews of "Viva Laughlin" not to mention AOL has this series pegged as one of the worst shows premiering this season. One word, dull. While I'm not a fan of musicals, I do like the murder mystery aspect of the series. I'm not familiar with the British show but I've heard extremely positive reviews so this American version has a lot to live up to. We'll see how it does. "Viva Laughlin" premieres on Thursday, October 18th at 10pm et/pt on CBS.