Life Sentence is not that show. It's a whimsical family drama with an unexpected, poignant jumping-off point.

Despite the cliches, Brooke Lyons and Jayson Blair are instantly appealing.

You can see why the CW was intrigued by this setup from show creators Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith: Girl escapes death and lives not-so-happily ever after. Hale is a winning presence, all wide eyes and cute Peter Pan collars.

The relentless cheer can be annoying, but Hale's charms, and the appeal of the wider cast mostly smooths it over.

Can a series succeed on cuteness alone? If so then there is a life for "Life Sentence"...

It is a witty show full of attractive, well-spoken people that manages to be a feel-good series even as it remains skeptical about its being a feel-good series. It has it both ways, all the way.

... the premiere is definitely worth watching.