2008 Summer TV Preview: Swingtown

Swingtown - Season 1

Premieres: Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 10:00 p.m. EST

Network: CBS

Creator(s): Mike Kelley

Starring: Molly Parker, Jack Davenport, Grant Show, Lana Parrilla, Josh Hopkins, Miriam Shor, Shanna Collins

Website: CBS.com

Swingtown is a drama series that takes place in 1976 and centers on a group of people living in an upscale suburb of Chicago. CBS seems to go out of their way to be vague about the description on their website, stating that the series “traces two generations of friends and neighbors as they forge intimate connections and explore new freedoms during the culturally transformative decade of the 1970s. It portrays the ever-shifting “swing” of the pendulum that reflected the change in America's collective value system -- morally, politically and socially.”. But take a look at the trailer for the series (below). By the looks of things, exploring “new freedoms” and forging “intimate connections” means orgies and swinging.

Eh. This looks like CBS’s attempt to be edgy, which is kind of odd because the network seems to thrive off procedurals and sitcoms. Why stir the pot by throwing in this salute to the 70’s? I suppose summer is the perfect time air a series about sex, drugs and I’m sure there will be some rock ‘n roll in there somewhere for good measure. The cast is hot (I still have a crush on Grant Show from Melrose Place), but I’m just not sure I’m interested in a 70’s themed sex drama this summer.

For the full 2008 Summer TV Premiere Schedule: CLICK HERE