'Defying Gravity' defies TV boundaries

Hollywood Wrap with George Pennacchio

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By ABC7

Friday, July 31, 2009

LOS ANGELES "I loved doing this show," said Livingston. "I'd love to get to do more of them, and I've got a hunch that we will."

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"Defying Gravity" focuses on eight astronauts in 2052 on a six-year mission to explore the solar system. Unfortunately for them, there's something about the mission they're not being told.

"There's a twin mystery going on. Half of the mystery comes from sort of the science-fiction, science-fact element of what the mission is about and what's driving it," explains Livingston. "It's also a bit of a relationship drama, so the other half of the mystery ends up being about who's going to end up in the sack with who from week to week."

Though the show has plenty of romance, there's also a lot there for the guys to enjoy.

"Not to be cliche about it, but I think the idea was to have a little bit of Mars and a little bit of Venus and sort of weave them together," said Livingston.

The production also used NASA scientists and other specialists as consultants to make the space part of the story feel real.

Expect "Defying Gravity" to test a few television boundaries.

"It's kind of, 'put the kids to bed,' and it's when grown-ups sit down to watch TV," said Livinston. "But it makes it really fun. I think there's no sense telling, you know, a sexy show where you don't have a chance to actually get sexy with it."

"Defying Gravity" begins Sunday night at 9 p.m. here on ABC7 in Los Angeles.