[1] Mike Kelley served as the showrunner for the series, based on the script by former model-turned-writer Adam Giaudrone, and Ashton Kutcher was the executive producer.

Magician David Copperfield was set to make a cameo appearance in episode 8 performing various illusions including sawing Sonja Stone in half, and had already filmed his scenes with Mischa Barton when the show was cancelled.

[20] Glenn Garvin of The Miami Herald gave the series a positive review, noting that Paxton and Hollingsworth's characters were "so unexpectedly affecting that you may find yourself sucked into the show against your will.

"[21] David Hinckley of The New York Daily News echoed the same thoughts, stating that the show "is designed to fit alongside CW anchors like 90210, except that even by those standards, it's pretty predictable and stilted.

"[23] Robert Bianco of USA Today gave the series a mixed review, stating "It may lack Melrose Place's flashy production values and trashy pedigree, but it makes up for that by being marginally better written, though admittedly, we're not talking about a particularly high bar here.

"[24] Bianco went on to criticize the acting of the cast, calling them "unimpressive", stating "what's dispiriting about Beautiful Life is that it's too lazy to even work as successful eye candy.

"[24] Bianco also criticized Mischa Barton, calling her "inept" in her role, stating that "she was stilted at best on The O.C., and instead of improving as an actress, she's merely solidified bad habits.

"[24] Matthew Gilbert of Boston Globe called the pilot "half-baked", further stating, "Whether that's due to Barton or deeper creative problems is unclear.

"[20][better source needed] Tim Goodman of the San Francisco Chronicle called the show "unwatchable", noting its "pointless gloss and heinous writing.

"[25] Linda Stasi of The New York Post said that only 12-year-olds could believe the show, calling the actors "unbelieveable" [sic], commenting "they can't even get the runway stomp right.

[26] Calling the plot "laughable" and the acting "mediocre", Jonathan Storm of The Philadelphia Inquirer said the show featured the "usual cynical CW glorification of teen sexuality and substance abuse."

The channel originally included additional footage and cast member interviews, some discussing plotlines they hoped would be executed in possible future episodes.