Network: NBC
Episodes: seven but only three aired (hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: September 19, — October 3, 2011
Series status: Cancelled due to low ratings.
Performers include: Eddie Cibrian, Amber Heard, Laura Benanti, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Wes Ramsey, Naturi Naughton, Leah Renee, Sean Maher, Jenifer Lewis, and David Krumholtz.
TV show description:
This drama takes place in the early 1960s, at the legendary Playboy Club in the center of Chicago. For those lucky enough to gain entrance, it’s a virtual fantasy world filled with $1.50 cocktails and entrees, music, glitter, and beautiful girls known as the Bunnies. As you might expect, the patrons and those who work there all have their share of secrets.
Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian) is one of the city’s top attorneys and the ultimate playboy. He rubs elbows with all of the power players in the Windy City and has some complicated ties to the mob. He’s dating Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti), a bombshell beauty and an established star at the Playboy Club. She’s ready to be more than a Bunny though and looks for any opportunity to climb the ranks.
Maureen (Amber Heard) is a beautiful and innocent new cigarette Bunny at the club and Nick is immediately attracted to her, something that Carol-Lynne can’t help but notice. Nick comes to Maureen’s aid when she’s attacked by Bruno Bianchi, the patriarch of a powerful crime family, and accidentally kills him,.
Janie (Jenna Dewan Tatum) is the foxy and carefree “life of the party” who’s dating the sweet and protective bartender named Max (Wes Ramsey). Brenda (Naturi Naughton) is a stunning beauty with a dry wit and an aspiration to be the first African-American Playboy Playmate.
Alice Beasley (Leah Renee) is a Bunny who manages to take care of everyone but herself — all while hiding a major secret. She’s married to Sean (Sean Maher) in a mutually sham marriage since they’re both secretly gay.
Pearl (Jenifer Lewis) is the club’s seamstress. She’s been at the club since day one and knows more than anyone what it takes to survive there. Billy Rosen (David Krumholtz) is the club’s general manager and only answers to the top. He also happens to be close friends with Nick, a relationship that’s sure to bring him trouble.
Episode seven — ???
Laura Benanti confirmed via Twitter that seven episodes were produced and the last episode was shot with two endings, one more final than the other. Production finished on October 11th.
First aired: Has not aired.
Image courtesy NBC.
This was a good show with a great cast!
[…] to last year’s timeslot occupant (The Playboy Club), NBC was up by 156% in the demo and 132% in total viewers. Note: These ratings are collected by […]
This show was quite authentic in its production, having lived through this era–we believe that the decision to cancel this series was unjustified without further opportunities to evaluate the content–it would have made good sense to have allowed the remaining 10 episodes to play.
Really a shame to not give this show a chance given the high quality of the show.
Craig and Ronda
This show sucked bring back the event, chicago code, the gates, the cape, etc. Good shows that deserve a second chance!!!!!
someone doesnt have taste. The Playboy Club was/is awesome. It actually has a story line.
[…] — or a loser, depending on how you look at it. NBC has announced that they have cancelled The Playboy Club after just three episodes due to low […]