“The Client List” is a television drama series that premiered on April 8, 2012, and ran for two seasons until June 16, 2013. The show revolves around the character of Riley Parks, portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt. Riley is a devoted wife and mother who, after her husband abandons her and their children, finds herself in desperate financial circumstances.

To support her family, Riley takes a job at a spa called “The Rub” in a small Texas town. However, she soon discovers that the spa offers more than just traditional massages—it also provides illicit services to its wealthy clientele. The services, known as “extras,” involve sexual favors.

Caught in a moral dilemma, Riley faces the difficult decision of whether to continue working at the spa to provide for her family or walk away from a job that compromises her values. As she tries to navigate this secret world, Riley becomes entangled in various personal and professional relationships with the spa’s clients and staff.

Throughout the series, Riley’s journey is marked by both challenges and personal growth. She confronts the stigma and judgment associated with her choices while striving to protect her children and find a way out of the precarious situation she finds herself in.

“The Client List” explores themes of love, sacrifice, empowerment, and the complexity of human morality. The show delves into the struggles faced by its characters and offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

With compelling performances and gripping storylines, “The Client List” provides a captivating glimpse into a hidden world and the lengths one woman will go to protect her family and reclaim her life.

Cast

The main cast of “The Client List” includes:

  1. Jennifer Love Hewitt as Riley Parks – The protagonist of the series, Riley is a devoted wife and mother who turns to working at “The Rub” spa to support her family after her husband leaves. She becomes entangled in the complicated world of providing “extras” to the spa’s clients.
  2. Loretta Devine as Georgia Cummings – Georgia is Riley’s wise and supportive boss at “The Rub.” She guides Riley through the challenges she faces while maintaining the spa’s operations.
  3. Colin Egglesfield as Evan Parks – Evan is Riley’s estranged husband. He leaves her and their children, which prompts Riley to take the job at the spa. Throughout the series, their relationship experiences ups and downs as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other.
  4. Rebecca Field as Lacey Jean – Lacey is Riley’s best friend and coworker at the spa. She provides a source of comic relief and moral support for Riley as they navigate the challenges of their unconventional workplace.
  5. Naturi Naughton as Kendra – Kendra is another coworker at “The Rub.” She brings a sassy and outspoken personality to the series and becomes a close friend to Riley.
  6. Alicia Lagano as Selena Ramos – Selena is another massage therapist at “The Rub” who forms a rivalry with Riley and becomes a recurring character throughout the series.

These are the main cast members who played significant roles in “The Client List.” The show also featured other recurring and guest actors who added depth to the story and its various subplots.

Production

“The Client List” is a television series that was produced by Fedora Films, Jaffe/Braunstein Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Television. The show was created by Suzanne Martin and is based on the 2010 Lifetime television film of the same name.

The series was developed as a drama with elements of romance and comedy. It was set in a small Texas town and primarily focused on the life of Riley Parks, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. The show explored Riley’s journey as she navigated the world of providing “extras” at a spa called “The Rub” to support her family after her husband’s departure.

“The Client List” initially premiered on Lifetime on April 8, 2012, and ran for two seasons, concluding on June 16, 2013. Each season consisted of 10 episodes.

The production team behind the series aimed to portray the complexities and challenges faced by its characters, tackling themes of family, morality, and personal growth. The show delved into the stigma and societal judgment surrounding the spa’s activities and the consequences of Riley’s choices.

The series received mixed reviews from critics but gained a dedicated fan base. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s performance as Riley Parks was praised, and the show’s blend of drama and entertainment captivated viewers.

Overall, “The Client List” was a collaboration between various production companies and aired on Lifetime, providing an intriguing exploration of a woman’s journey in a unique and challenging environment.

Reviews

“The Client List” received mixed reviews from critics during its run. While some praised the performances and the show’s ability to tackle sensitive topics, others found fault with its execution and perceived lack of depth. Here’s an overview of the reviews:

  • Jennifer Love Hewitt’s portrayal of Riley Parks received positive feedback from many critics. Her performance was often cited as one of the show’s strengths, with reviewers noting her ability to bring depth and relatability to the character.
  • The blend of drama and entertainment in “The Client List” was appreciated by some reviewers. The show’s ability to balance serious themes with moments of humor and romance was seen as a positive aspect.
  • However, some critics felt that the show didn’t fully explore the potential of its premise. They believed that the series occasionally relied on clichés and missed opportunities for deeper character development and storytelling.
  • The portrayal of the spa’s activities and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters drew mixed reactions. While some found the exploration of a taboo subject intriguing, others felt that the show sometimes glamorized or trivialized the issues it aimed to address.
  • The overall narrative and pacing of the show also received criticism. Some reviewers felt that the plotlines were predictable, and the storytelling lacked complexity and surprises.

It’s important to note that reviews are subjective, and individual opinions may vary. Despite mixed critical reception, “The Client List” developed a dedicated fan base and garnered solid viewership numbers during its two-season run on Lifetime.

Where are they now?

Here’s an update on some of the main cast members of “The Client List” and their recent projects as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021:

  1. Jennifer Love Hewitt (Riley Parks): After “The Client List,” Jennifer Love Hewitt continued to act and has also ventured into producing. She starred in the TV series “9-1-1” as Maddie Buckley and served as an executive producer on the show. She has also appeared in films such as “Café,” “Jewtopia,” and “The Lost Valentine.”
  2. Loretta Devine (Georgia Cummings): Loretta Devine has remained active in both television and film. She appeared in TV series like “The Carmichael Show,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Family Reunion.” She also had roles in movies such as “The Emoji Movie,” “Miss Virginia,” and “Spell.”
  3. Colin Egglesfield (Evan Parks): Colin Egglesfield has appeared in several TV series since “The Client List,” including “Rizzoli & Isles,” “Chicago Fire,” and “All Rise.” He has also been involved in film projects such as “Bad Moms” and “Something Borrowed.”
  4. Rebecca Field (Lacey Jean): Rebecca Field has continued to act in both television and film. She appeared in TV series like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Shameless,” and “Snowfall.” She also had roles in films such as “The Sessions” and “The Pregnancy Project.”
  5. Naturi Naughton (Kendra): Naturi Naughton gained significant recognition for her role as Tasha St. Patrick in the TV series “Power.” She continued to portray the character in the spin-off series “Power Book II: Ghost.” Naughton has also pursued a music career and released her debut solo album, “Naturi Naughton.”
  6. Alicia Lagano (Selena Ramos): Alicia Lagano has appeared in various TV series since “The Client List,” including “Major Crimes,” “Criminal Minds,” and “S.W.A.T.” She also had roles in films such as “Shallow Ground” and “Cope.”

Please note that this information is accurate as of September 2021, and there may have been further updates or projects involving the cast members since then.

Fun facts

Here are some fun facts related to “The Client List”:

  1. “The Client List” was inspired by a true story: The original Lifetime television film, released in 2010, was based on the experiences of a real-life woman who found herself working in a similar situation to support her family.
  2. Jennifer Love Hewitt not only starred in the series but also served as an executive producer. She was heavily involved in the creative direction of the show and had a hand in shaping Riley Parks’ character.
  3. The series was set in a fictional Texas town called Sugar Land. While Sugar Land itself doesn’t exist, it is a real city located in Fort Bend County, Texas.
  4. During the filming of “The Client List,” the actors had to simulate massage scenes. To ensure comfort and maintain professionalism, body doubles were often used for the more intimate or explicit scenes.
  5. The show received a dedicated fan base, with viewers drawn to the intriguing blend of drama, romance, and comedy. Fans particularly enjoyed the chemistry between Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character, Riley Parks, and her love interest, played by Colin Egglesfield.
  6. “The Client List” generated controversy and sparked debates about its portrayal of the sex industry and the morality of the characters’ choices. Some critics accused the show of glamorizing or sensationalizing the topic, while others appreciated its attempt to shed light on the struggles faced by its characters.
  7. In addition to the television series, “The Client List” also spawned a soundtrack album. Released in 2013, the album featured original songs performed by Jennifer Love Hewitt, including the show’s theme song, “I’m a Woman.”

These fun facts provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes aspects and the impact of “The Client List” on its audience.

Box office

“The Client List” was a television series and did not have a box office performance in the traditional sense. Box office figures are typically associated with theatrical films that are released in cinemas and generate revenue through ticket sales.

However, it’s worth noting that “The Client List” began as a television film that aired on Lifetime in 2010 before being developed into a series. As a television film, it would not have a box office performance but would have garnered viewership ratings and advertising revenue.

As a television series, the success and revenue generation of “The Client List” would primarily be measured by factors such as viewership ratings, advertising revenue, syndication deals, and DVD sales (if applicable). These metrics help determine the financial viability and popularity of a television show. Unfortunately, specific financial details regarding the revenue generated by “The Client List” are not readily available.

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