It's not particularly complex: "L.A. Complex" had the worst ratings in the history of U.S. dramas, so it got cancelled, right?
Not so fast. Despite attracting only 646,000 viewers in April for its premiere on the CW (even less Canadian viewers -- 411,000, to be exact -- tuned in when it aired on MuchMusic in January) a second season of 13 episodes was ordered by both networks and it premieres tonight on both of them.
"I feel so fortunate that we've been given this opportunity to have people find the show again," creator Martin Gero told the Canadian Press. "People forget that just a day (before the premiere), we're talking about how it's one of the best shows of that season, and then it starts turning into a discussion of ratings, and that becomes the story."
Gero also told Toronto.com that online -- "L.A. Complex" can be streamed on Hulu in the U.S. and MuchMusic in Canada -- the show's views are "through the roof."
Producers are hoping the show will find its audience with these new episodes. Stephen Stohn, executive producer and president of Epitome Pictures, reminded Gero that the 'Degrassi' reboot took two years to find its footing and it now has been in production for 10 years.
The Toronto-shot series revolves around struggling actors living in the same apartment complex in L.A. (no, it's not on Melrose) featuring an all-Canadian cast including "Degrassi" alum Cassie Steele, Joe Dinico from "Passchendaele" and "Firefly's" Jewel Staite. Alan Thicke joined the cast in season two to play the producer of an evangelical show ("I channelled Kirk Cameron," he told Canada.com), despite the first season's ratings.
"This show in its first run was on against the finales of every competition show in America," the "Growing Pains" alum told CP. "It was on against the finales of 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'The Voice' and 'American Idol,' you know?"
Having said that, like a good Canadian, Thicke is not holding his breath.
"Hopefully in this relaunch it'll get another look, you know," he said, adding, "And it'll probably end up against the fricking Olympics."
More on OMG! Canada
Video: Embarrassing celebrity relatives