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We’re currently (hate) watching the only Darren Star confection that’s still on air (Emily in Paris) and it got me to thinking, what is considered his best show? Sex and the City is arguably his most well known in terms of pop culture reach, 90210 is the biggest franchise with six shows under that umbrella (I’d hazard a guess that we’ll see more in the future) while Melrose was the hottest show on TV at one point.
So, I’ve thrown together a poll of the shows that he’s credited as creator on, with a few thoughts on each. There are others that he didn’t create but exec produced (for example, Cashmere Mafia, GCB) or is credited as a creator on but has nothing to do with the show (And Just Like That). I’ve left these off the list but feel free to mention them if you wish. You can do a top 3 if you wish, or vote just for one.
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
Star’s breakthrough series, under the guidance of Aaron Spelling, which spawned a franchise that’s stretched across 29 years so far. The first of the super successful teen soaps, that set the template for the genre that lives on today. Some of the earlier stuff may seem a bit hokey by today’s standards (“Donna Martin Graduates” and the time they ended racism via the Electric Slide and David’s rapping) but those Brenda Years were arguably the show’s imperial phase before it went the soapier “younger Melrose” route in later seasons.
Melrose Place (1992–1999)
The zenith of nighttime soap insanity, Star guided it through its best years (seasons 1 - 3), culminating in the infamous apartment complex bombing. His departure from the show marked a steady decline and seemingly revolving door of cast members coming and going, with the show only recovering (IMO) in its final season.
Central Park West (1995–1996)
Having abandoned the Kingdom of Spelling, Star struck out on his own and headed east, to make a glossier New York version of MP. While the ante was upped in terms of budget, writing, casting and fashion, the show floundered for a multitude of reasons that I could write an essay on at this stage. A favourite of mine, on rewatching, I do realise that beyond the glitzy facade, the premise was wafer thin. The first 13 episodes are still an enjoyable watch while the revamped Raquel Welch era has its moments.
Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Probably the most widely known series from the Star stable, it’s been a while since I’ve rewatched it but my recollection is that it was consistently good throughout its run. Another Star franchise that is trailing only slightly behind 90210, at 27 years on the go.
Grosse Pointe (2000–2001)
Riding high on the success of SATC, Star was commissioned to produce two network shows for the 2000-01 season. This was the better of the two, a satire of the behind the scenes dramatics of a teen soap that was very similar to 90210. King Aaron of Spelling reportedly intervened and asked the WB to have the Tori Spelling character toned down. Despite good reviews and middling timeslot competition, it never landed with viewers, possibly due to its placement in the Friday Night Death Slot.
The Street (2000, co-created with Jeff Rake)
Star’s other turn of millennium offering, this time for FOX, was a sort of cross between Melrose Place and Wall Street. Except boring. While it boasted a good cast that included Jennifer Connolly (who was on the cusp of her film career renaissance that would see her win an Oscar), the show was just dull. 90210’s Jennie Garth was drafted into later episodes, in a kind of Heather Locklear joining Melrose attempt to snare the soap fans, but it was to no avail.
Miss Match (2003, co-created with Jeff Rake)
Alicia Silverstone led romcom that co-starred Ryan O’Neal. I remember zilch about this series bar it existing although things must’ve been desperate when NBC were dropping stars from Passions into it to cross promote both shows.
Younger (2015–2021)
Similar to Miss Match, I know little about this show bar the fact that it existed, had a decent cast and was TV Land’s longest running original programme (7 seasons).
Emily in Paris (2020–present)
A very inoffensive (although the French may argue otherwise), easy to watch, bit of froth that will have you shouting at the screen because of how ridiculous it is but also have you binging an entire series before you know it. Some of the situations are ludicrous but I think that is part of the show’s charm. Not to be taken seriously in any way, shape or form.
Uncoupled (2022)
We binged this one hungover afternoon and really didn’t like it. A kind of gay SATC, it just didn’t connect and if I remember correctly, most of the characters were rather unlikeable.
So, I’ve thrown together a poll of the shows that he’s credited as creator on, with a few thoughts on each. There are others that he didn’t create but exec produced (for example, Cashmere Mafia, GCB) or is credited as a creator on but has nothing to do with the show (And Just Like That). I’ve left these off the list but feel free to mention them if you wish. You can do a top 3 if you wish, or vote just for one.
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
Star’s breakthrough series, under the guidance of Aaron Spelling, which spawned a franchise that’s stretched across 29 years so far. The first of the super successful teen soaps, that set the template for the genre that lives on today. Some of the earlier stuff may seem a bit hokey by today’s standards (“Donna Martin Graduates” and the time they ended racism via the Electric Slide and David’s rapping) but those Brenda Years were arguably the show’s imperial phase before it went the soapier “younger Melrose” route in later seasons.
Melrose Place (1992–1999)
The zenith of nighttime soap insanity, Star guided it through its best years (seasons 1 - 3), culminating in the infamous apartment complex bombing. His departure from the show marked a steady decline and seemingly revolving door of cast members coming and going, with the show only recovering (IMO) in its final season.
Central Park West (1995–1996)
Having abandoned the Kingdom of Spelling, Star struck out on his own and headed east, to make a glossier New York version of MP. While the ante was upped in terms of budget, writing, casting and fashion, the show floundered for a multitude of reasons that I could write an essay on at this stage. A favourite of mine, on rewatching, I do realise that beyond the glitzy facade, the premise was wafer thin. The first 13 episodes are still an enjoyable watch while the revamped Raquel Welch era has its moments.
Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Probably the most widely known series from the Star stable, it’s been a while since I’ve rewatched it but my recollection is that it was consistently good throughout its run. Another Star franchise that is trailing only slightly behind 90210, at 27 years on the go.
Grosse Pointe (2000–2001)
Riding high on the success of SATC, Star was commissioned to produce two network shows for the 2000-01 season. This was the better of the two, a satire of the behind the scenes dramatics of a teen soap that was very similar to 90210. King Aaron of Spelling reportedly intervened and asked the WB to have the Tori Spelling character toned down. Despite good reviews and middling timeslot competition, it never landed with viewers, possibly due to its placement in the Friday Night Death Slot.
The Street (2000, co-created with Jeff Rake)
Star’s other turn of millennium offering, this time for FOX, was a sort of cross between Melrose Place and Wall Street. Except boring. While it boasted a good cast that included Jennifer Connolly (who was on the cusp of her film career renaissance that would see her win an Oscar), the show was just dull. 90210’s Jennie Garth was drafted into later episodes, in a kind of Heather Locklear joining Melrose attempt to snare the soap fans, but it was to no avail.
Miss Match (2003, co-created with Jeff Rake)
Alicia Silverstone led romcom that co-starred Ryan O’Neal. I remember zilch about this series bar it existing although things must’ve been desperate when NBC were dropping stars from Passions into it to cross promote both shows.
Younger (2015–2021)
Similar to Miss Match, I know little about this show bar the fact that it existed, had a decent cast and was TV Land’s longest running original programme (7 seasons).
Emily in Paris (2020–present)
A very inoffensive (although the French may argue otherwise), easy to watch, bit of froth that will have you shouting at the screen because of how ridiculous it is but also have you binging an entire series before you know it. Some of the situations are ludicrous but I think that is part of the show’s charm. Not to be taken seriously in any way, shape or form.
Uncoupled (2022)
We binged this one hungover afternoon and really didn’t like it. A kind of gay SATC, it just didn’t connect and if I remember correctly, most of the characters were rather unlikeable.
