'The L.A. Complex': What's not to like?

And then there's beat-boy wannabe Tariq (Benjamin Charles Watson), busy cleaning up after nasty rappers, and hopeful dancer Alicia (Chelan Simmons), about whose day job (uh, night job) nothing is clean.

Actually, one-time TV series regular Raquel (Jewel Staite, "Firefly") isn't just-legal; she's regularly told she's too old because she isn't fresh off the boat. Younger actress Abby (Cassie Steele, "DeGrassi") is, though; too bad she doesn't have any money or work papers.

Hot parties around the pool, intoxicated sex, smashed windshields, morning-after pills -- what's not to like?

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The show has that same sneaky depth. The leads are pretty without being "pretty," refreshingly down-to-earth likable, and able to flesh out their youthful stereotypes with this weird thing called personality. So give the Canadians yet more credit.

Mostly, give them some viewership, even if you're not in the demo. "The L.A. Complex" doesn't restrict itself to youth or show business. It's about defining yourself, working toward your goals, making crucial choices, and coping with whatever comes your way, even if it's success.

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Other prime-time Canadian imports

Canadian shows have been seen here for decades, but only recently have prime-time network imports proliferated.

1960s -- "The Littlest Hobo" (syndication)

1980s -- "Maniac Mansion" (Family Channel), "SCTV" (NBC late night)

1990s -- "Due South" (CBS prime-time), "Forever Knight" and "Tropical Heat" (CBS late-night)

2000 -- Lexx (Sci Fi)

2005 -- "Slings and Arrows" (Sundance)

2007 -- "Blood Ties" (Lifetime)

2008 -- "Flashpoint" (CBS), "Sanctuary" (Syfy)

2009 -- "The Listener" (NBC), "The Bridge" (CBS), "Being Erica" (SOAPnet)

2010 -- "Rookie Blue" (ABC), "18 to Life" (CW), "Heartland" (syndication)

2011 -- "Combat Hospital" (ABC)

2012 -- "Lost Girl" (Syfy)