Viva Hugh Jackman

As far as narrative musicals on television go, there have been three kinds in the past: Broadway-based TV movies (Peter Pan, Gypsy), the odd "musical episode" within an established series (Buffy, Scrubs) and Cop Rock. The new CBS series Viva Laughlin (debuting tomorrow night prior to moving to Sundays) follows in the footsteps of that last option, which does not bode well for its future.

Based on the British series Viva Blackpool, Laughlin is set in Nevada's other, smaller sin city and uses pre-existing pop songs (like "Sympathy for the Devil") to help tell its story of murder and intrigue in a struggling casino. Produced by Hugh Jackman (who also has a recurring role), the series also features Melanie Griffith and Brothers & Sisters' Eric Winter. While I intend to at least check out the first episode, I kind of hope it doesn't last long, if only to hasten Winters' return to the arms of one Kevin Walker.

Here is a preview of the show, and it appears to at least have one thing going for it: it's not the worst project this year to bastardize the King's ode to the glitz and glamour of Sin City.

UPDATE: After only two airings, Viva Laughlin has been cancelled by CBS. Wonder how long it will take Jason McCallister to get back from Malaysia?

Links via CBS.com, Imdb.com, YouTube.com and Playbill.com.