![Happyland Series Premiere Preview [PHOTOS and VIDEO]](https://www.tvgoodness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/happyland_TCA-2.jpg)
Tonight on MTV, a new teen dramedy premieres and it’s called Happyland. Take a look:
MTV’s Series Synopsis: Happyland is a soapy teen dramedy exploring the underbelly of one of the country’s most popular theme parks, going behind the scenes to reveal the not so magical reality of the park workers. The series centers on Lucy (Bianca Santos), the cynical teenage daughter of idealistic park princess mom, Elena (Camille Guaty). Having grown up in a world of manufactured happiness her whole life, Lucy wants to get out and experience something real. When Ian (Shane Harper), the new park owner’s son, arrives and sweeps her off her feet, Lucy is left wondering if fairy tale endings do exist after all. But when a scandalous secret turns her life upside down, she learns Happyland is far from a walk in the park.
“Happyland” stars Bianca Santos (“The Fosters”), Camille Guaty (“Prison Break”), Shane Harper (“Awkward”), Katherine McNamara (“Contest”), Cameron Moulene (“Raising Hope”), Ryan Rottman (“90210”) and was created by Ben Epstein. Storyline’s Neil Meron and Craig Zadan serve as Executive Producers along with Jill Cargerman.
What to Expect: Happyland the theme park is kind of a combination of Disneyland and Six Flags. It’s a perfect environment to set a series that airs on MTV. The show isn’t as dark as Finding Carter. It’s not as edgy as Awkward. But, don’t worry. Some of the action does get a bit awkward when a secret is revealed in the first episode. It’s going to be interesting to see how the scandal develops as the season continues. The lead of the series, Bianca Santos, is quite good as Lucy. She’s a solid lead for the show. The relationship between Lucy and her mom is going to generate some major angst for her. Elena had Lucy at a young age so the two really look like sisters more than mother and daughter. And it’s Lucy that often acts more like the adult in the relationship. The jury’s out on her friendship with Harper. They don’t seem to be on solid ground. Only time will tell. And as far as Lucy’s love life, we’re not betting on anyone just yet. We’re going to sit back and watch the show evolve before making any judgment or allying ourselves with any ships.
Familiar Faces: The two actors we’re most familiar with are Camille Guaty and Ryan Rottman.
Guaty of course starred on Prison Break. Some of her other TV Credits include Las Vegas, Cupid, Family Guy, The Vampire Diaries and she was in this week’s episode of CBS’ new series, Scorpion.
As for Rottman, we remember him as Teddy’s boyfriend, Shane, on the CW’s 90210 reboot. But we loved loved loved him when he played bad boy Jordan on one of our favorite teen dramas (that’s no longer with us — boo!), ABC Family’s The Lying Game. Good to see Rottman show up on Happyland.
Happyland premieres on MTV tonight at 11/10c.
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Photo Credit for all Images: MTV
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As someone who grew up near Disney Land, I’ve always had a weird fascination and love/hate relationship with theme parks, so of course I liked Adventureland and I just had to tune into Happyland, too.
Not sure what to think about the incest plot line – feels like a cry for attention/controversy, but I hope that doesn’t develop as a main plot line because there’s so many more interesting things to explore within the crazy world of a theme park – and I’ve had tons of friends who worked at Disneyland who can attest to that. I did really like that they used “So Close I Almost Believed It” by Beginners during the controversial kiss scene though, maybe this will finally be an MTV show that uses music as well as their shows in the 90s did.
I’m definitely going to keep watching to see where this incest story goes — not sure what to make it of just yet. But there’s enough there to keep me watching to find out where all of this is going. Thanks for commenting!