The Starter Wife is an American television mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Gigi Levangie and derived from the concept of a starter marriage, which focuses on Molly Kagan who, after years of marriage to a Hollywood film mogul, is forced to redefine herself and her role in society when he leaves her for a younger woman.
The mini-series aired in the USA from 31 May to 28 June, 2007. There are six hour-long episodes in the series. USA Network subsequently ordered The Starter Wife as a regular series consisting of 10 episodes, which premiered in the USA on 10 October, 2008.
The Starter Wife originally aired in South Africa on M-Net from 5 July to 9 August, 2007, on Thursdays at 19h30. It later aired on DStv's M-Net Series and Universal channels. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
The Starter Wife premiered on Universal Channel on Friday 13 April 2012, at 20h00. New episodes broadcast in a double bill, weekly.
Synopsis
If having it all in Hollywood means being married to an ambitious movie studio exec, having an adorable daughter, owning a flawlessly decorated McMansion in Brentwood, belonging to the most exclusive clubs and always getting the best table in the hottest restaurants, then Molly Kagan has it all.
Until she gets the one phone call that changes everything.
With that call, not only does Molly's husband Kenny inform her of his intentions to divorce just shy of their 10-year anniversary (coincidentally before their pre-nup expires), but also he revokes her status as "Wife Of," instantly transforming her into a "Starter Wife" - a decided step down, if not out - in the Hollywood pecking order.
In L.A., news travels fast - bad news even faster. Within hours, doors are slammed, her formerly packed social calendar is empty, she gets shunned by other Wives Of including one of her best friends, and worst of all, she discovers her ex is dating a pop tartlet who is half his age.
All hope seems lost until Molly's friend Joan comes to the rescue with the perfect antidote: an invitation to stay at her beach house for the summer in Malibu Colony, one of the most tiny, private playgrounds of Hollywood's elite.
With the help of her friends - some old and some new - Molly discovers that it's up to her to be the architect of her new life and decide what she wants to make of it.
Seasons
db = double bill
Season 1 (6 episodes)
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 5 Jul 2007 | Finale: 9 Aug 2007 | Thursdays, 19h30
Channel: M-Net Series | Premiere: 21 Dec 2008 | Finale: 25 Jan 2009 | Sundays, 22h00
Channel: Universal | Premiere: 13 Apr 2012 | Finale: 27 Apr 2012 | Fridays, 20h00 (db)