Lipstick Jungle review

Maybe formulas aren’t so bad. Just ask Stephen "I Heart Horror" King. Or John "I Heart Lawyers" Grisham. Or Wes "I Heart Jason Schwartzman" Anderson.

This week, “Sex and the City” creator Candace Bushnell revisits familiar territory with her new series, “Lipstick Jungle,” which follows the lives of three friends—a film studio president, a fashion designer and a magazine’s editor in chief—as they wrestle with the personal and professional struggles that come with being powerful women. From extramarital affairs and ex-nannies publishing nasty novels to fashion-show flops and thieving assistants, these ladies will take it all on with the help of one another (and in Ford’s case, the occasional designer cupcake).

Who’s that? The core group is formed by Brooke Shields, who plays Parador Pictures president Wendy Healy; Kim Raver (of “24” and “Third Watch” fame), who stars as Nico Riley, the editor of Bonfire Magazine; and Lindsay Price (“Coupling,” “Beverly Hills, 90210”), who's stepped into the role of fashion designer Victory Ford. And watch out for the new Mr. Big, billionare Joe Bennett, played by Andrew McCarthy, as well as newcomer Robert Buckley, who delivers the goods as the über-buff Kirby Atwood.

Buzzed about: The most fun part of "Sex and the City" was, of course, the moments the characters spent between the sheets. Well, that and watching to see what drama would unfold with each new man they met. So when we found out that in "Lipstick Jungle," two out of the main characters are [gulp] married, we were worried we’d miss out on the drama. But it was all for naught—there's more than enough scandalousness to keep us tuned in.

The “ooh” factor: The women are at the top of their game, but the show’s writers have made them feel like real people rather than cold, calculating stereotypes. For instance, after Ford’s runway show bombs, Healy responds by suggesting she go to her second home, on Long Island, where the fridge is stocked with “Dove Bars and weed.”

The “eh” factor: Bushnell has some fun with the clothes, when it comes to Ford’s unique couture; but for the most part, the outrageous outfits that were a hallmark of "Sex and the City" have been swapped out for more professional work attire.

The verdict: It’s going to have a tough battle against the flighty "Cashmere Mafia," the other "SATC"–styled show debuting this month. But with sexy guys, strong women and plenty of female bonding, "Lipstick Jungle" makes for a great guilty pleasure.

”Lipstick Jungle” premieres Thursday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m./9c on NBC.

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