Hart of Dixie

Plot

Season 1

The first season revolves around Zoe Hart adjusting to life in the small town of Bluebell, Alabama, after failing to secure a fellowship in New York because of her poor bedside manner. She has inherited half of the practice from a father she never knew, with whom Zoe's mother had an affair while engaged to the man Zoe knew as her dad. To keep her half of the inherited practice she must bring in 30% of the patients, which she finds difficult as she is at odds with most of the local residents due to her city persona. Zoe also struggles with her growing feelings for local attorney George Tucker, feelings of which his fiancée, Lemon Breeland, is suspicious, leading Lemon to make it her mission to ensure Zoe leaves Bluebell. Other storylines include neighbor Wade's feelings for Zoe, which may or may not be returned; Zoe's friendship with the mayor, Lavon Hayes, and his past with Lemon; and Zoe's unresolved issues regarding her family.

Season 2

The season begins with Zoe confused with her feelings for both George and Wade, as she slept with Wade the night of George and Lemon's aborted wedding at the end of season one. She later decides that George is not ready for another relationship yet and decides to see Wade. Lavon's former high school sweetheart Ruby Jeffries (Golden Brooks) returns to Bluebell and reveals she is opposing him for mayor. George begins dating again, first seeing newcomer Shelby Sinclair. However, he later dumps her, and Shelby begins dating Brick Breeland, father of Lemon Breeland. George later starts a relationship with Wade's ex-wife, Tansy Truitt. As the season progresses, Ruby leaves after Lemon's jealousy destroys her and Lavon. Wade and Zoe continue to date, though they face their share of setbacks. At the end of the season, Zoe is faced deciding between a summer in New York working at a hospital at her dream job, only to have Wade confess his feelings for her, and she unable to return them. Meanwhile, Annabeth begins having feelings for Lavon, and later the two sleep together, leaving Lemon devastated by her best friend's betrayal.

Season 3

The season begins with Zoe returning to Bluebell after a summer in NYC, along with her new boyfriend Joel. George struggles to rebuild his life following his breakup with Tansy but finds love with Lavon's younger cousin. Lemon finds herself in a scandalous relationship, while Annabeth hopes her relationship with Lavon will grow into something more. Zoe learns more about her family roots in Bluebell, breaks up with Joel, and reunites with Wade.

Season 4

The final season deals with Zoe's pregnancy and her relationship with Wade. George, Lemon, Lavon, and Annabeth enter a tumultuous love affair, while Brick has to deal with his past in order to move forward as Lemon and Magnolia meet their half-sister from their estranged mother who left the family. In the end, George and Annabeth move in together, George changes careers to become a music manager, Zoe and Wade get married, and Lemon and Lavon get married. Zoe and Wade marry in a rushed ceremony, due to Zoe's inhibitions about marriage and having gone into labor. They recite their vows while rushing towards the delivery room, delivering a baby boy.

The final scene shows the town in harmony in the town square, Wade and Zoe with their son. An old love triangle is re-fueled among three elderly members of the community. Zoe asks if all small towns are like Bluebell, to which Wade answers that they probably are not. Zoe agrees, and they get up to walk their son and join their friends.

Cast and characters

• Rachel Bilson as Zoe Hart, a medical doctor who moves from New York to a small town in Alabama called Bluebell
• Scott Porter as George Tucker, a local lawyer in Bluebell who is the long term fiancé of Lemon
• Jaime King as Lemon Breeland, the elder daughter of town physician, Bertram "Brick" Breeland, and young president of the Bluebell Belles Association
• Cress Williams as Lavon Hayes, Mayor and Co-Chair of the Tourism Council of Bluebell and former NFL linebacker
• Wilson Bethel as Wade Kinsella, Zoe's neighbor who works as a bartender
• Tim Matheson as Bertram "Brick" Breeland, Bluebell's local medical practitioner
• Kaitlyn Black as Annabeth Nass (seasons 3–4; recurring seasons 1–2), a member of the Belles association and Lemon's friend

Production

Development

On February 1, 2011, it was announced that The CW had ordered a pilot for Hart of Dixie. On May 17, 2011, the network officially picked up Hart of Dixie to series, set to air in fall 2011. The series marks the second time executive producer Josh Schwartz and series star Rachel Bilson have worked together on television. The first time the duo worked together was on the Fox teen drama The O.C., created by Schwartz. The show's executive producer, Josh Schwartz, compared the show to Felicity, Everwood, and Gilmore Girls.

With the reveal of The CW's fall 2011 schedule, it was announced that Hart of Dixie would air on Monday at 9:00 pm Eastern/8:00 pm Central, following Gossip Girl. It premiered on Monday, September 26, 2011. On October 12, 2011, the series was picked up for a full season, which will consist of twenty-two episodes. Along with pick-up for all other CW dramas, Mark Pedowitz said "We believe in the creative strength of these dramas, and by giving them back nine orders we can give our audience the chance to enjoy complete seasons of all three of them." On May 11, 2012, The CW renewed the show for a second season, which premiered on October 2, 2012. The CW renewed the show for a third season on April 26, 2013.

Casting

On February 8, 2011, TVLine reported that Rachel Bilson was nearing a deal to star in the series. Her role was later confirmed by The CW in a press release. Soon after, Wilson Bethel joined the cast as Wade Kinsella, Zoe's "gorgeous bad-boy" neighbor. Scott Porter was cast as good-looking lawyer George Tucker, a potential love-interest for Bilson's character.

On May 20, 2011, it was announced that Nancy Travis would not continue with the series due to her commitments with the 20th Century Fox-produced sitcom Last Man Standing. Travis was written out after the first two episodes. Meredith Monroe appeared in one episode as Lemon's estranged mother. JoBeth Williams appeared in three episodes as Candice Hart, the mother of Bilson's character. On July 26, 2013, it was announced that Kaitlyn Black was upgraded to series regular status for season three.

Reception

Critical response

Hart of Dixie first season received mixed reviews, scoring a 43 out of 100 on the review aggregator Metacritic.

TVGuide.com described the show as "Southern Exposure" and, in a later review, stated that the actors are better than the "cutesy" material, although Bilson is not convincing as a heart surgeon. Both TVGuide.com and Robert Bianco of USA Today stated that the show is potentially offensive to the South. Bianco also wrote that the show is shallow and far-fetched, with Bilson giving an unconvincing performance, such as acting surprised when calling herself a doctor. Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter stated that the series is predictable and superficial, but "surprisingly touching".

Writing for The New York Times, critic Neil Genzlinger wrote "the premiere, at least, doesn't find a convincing way to balance the clashing strands: the city-mouse disorientation, the medical emergencies, the girlfights, the daddy issues, the young-pretty-and-available stuff." Los Angeles Times reviewer Mary McNamara described the show as "a stack of familiar scenarios stitched together to form a pretty if not terribly substantial quilt." TVLine described the show as "Everwood-esque". TVLine later stated: "Beautifully filmed with warm, cozy tones, the Southern setting utterly envelops the glowing Bilson", adding that Porter's appearance "wins us over and makes you forget that clunky intro" and despite the "rom-coms clichés, the pilot is super-efficient at introducing us to those who will be the key players in Zoe's story, laying the framework for storytelling places to go." TV Times magazine gave Hart of Dixie its lowest score of 2011–2012: 12 out of 100.

Ratings

Awards and accolades

International broadcasts

References

References

1. Kondolojy, Amanda. (April 26, 2013). "'Hart of Dixie' & 'Beauty and the Beast' Renewed by The CW, + 'The Originals' Ordered to Series". TV by the Numbers.
2. Kondolojy, Amanda. (May 16, 2013). "CW 2013–14 Primetime Schedule: 'Hart of Dixie' and 'Beauty and the Beast' Pair Monday, 'Supernatural' to Tuesday, 'The Carrie Diaries' Friday + 'Nikita' TBD". TV by the Numbers.
3. Mittovich, Matt. (June 24, 2013). "Fall TV Premiere Dates: The CW Once Again Opens Its Season in October". TVLine.
4. (May 9, 2014). "'Beauty and the Beast', 'The 100' and 'Hart of Dixie' Renewed by The CW - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.zap2it.com". TVbytheNumbers.
5. (July 18, 2014). "'Hart Of Dixie': Zoe Will Be Pregnant in Season 4 — Rachel Bilson Expecting". TVLine.
6. Talmon, Noelle. (March 14, 2015). "CW Cancels 'Hart of Dixie', Creator Promises 'Satisfying' Ending". Starpulse.com.
7. Andreeva, Nellie. (May 7, 2015). "'Hart Of Dixie' Officially Cancelled After 4 Seasons".
8. Hibberd, James. (February 1, 2011). "CW pilot pickups! Zombies, angels, docs, cops".
9. Masters, Megan. (February 1, 2011). "The CW's Pilot Pickups Take On Zombies and Angels, Doctors and Detectives".
10. Bricker, Tierney. (May 17, 2011). "The CW picks up 'Ringer,' 'The Secret Circle' and 'Hart of Dixie'". [[Zap2it]].
11. (August 9, 2011). "Fall TV 2011: Must-See New Shows". [[TV Guide]].
12. Schwartz, Josh. (May 17, 2011). "Josh Schwartz tweets about Hart of Dixie". Twitter.com.
13. Mitovich, Matt Webb. (May 19, 2011). "The CW's Fall Schedule: Sarah Michelle Gellar Back on Tuesdays, Nikita Makes Move". TVLine.com.
14. Seidman, Robert. (June 20, 2011). "The CW Network Announces Fall 2011 Premiere Dates".
15. Andreeva, Nellie. (October 12, 2011). "CW Gives Full-Season Orders To 'Hart Of Dixie' & 'Secret Circle', Goes 3-For-3".
16. Ausiello, Michael. (May 11, 2012). "The CW Cancels Ringer and Secret Circle, Renews Hart of Dixie For Season 2".
17. (April 26, 2013). "'Hart of Dixie' & 'Beauty and the Beast' Renewed by The CW, + 'The Originals' Ordered to Series - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.zap2it.com".
18. Andreeva, Nellie. (February 8, 2011). "Rachel Bilson To Star In The CW's Dixie Pilot".
19. (May 19, 2011). "THE CW ANNOUNCES 2011–2012 SCHEDULE".
20. [http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2001/02/17/development-update-thursday-february-17-909504/9139 "Development Update: Tuesday, February 17"], The Futon Critic, 02–17–11. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
21. Ausiello, Michael. (March 16, 2011). "Pilot Scoop: Scott Porter To Tug at Rachel Bilson's Hart-strings".
22. [https://deadline.com/2011/05/nancy-travis-to-be-recast-on-hart-of-dixie-134033/ "Nancy Travis To Be Recast On 'Hart Of Dixie'"] from Deadline.com (May 20, 2011)
23. Mitovich, Matt. (June 21, 2011). "Fall TV Recasts: Damon Wayans Will (Briefly) Live with New Girl, and More Updates".
24. Masters, Megan. (October 11, 2011). "Hart of Dixie Exclusive: Dawson's Creek Vet to Play [Spoiler Alert]!".
25. Masters, Megan. (July 26, 2013). "Exclusive: Dixie Promotes Fan Fave to Regular".
26. "Hart of Dixie season 1 (Metacritic)". [[Metacritic]]. [[CBS Interactive]].
27. Roush, Matt. (September 26, 2011). "Matt's Guide to Monday TV: The New Season". TVGuide.com.
28. Bianco, Robert. (September 26, 2011). "There's nothing deep in 'Hart of Dixie'". USAToday.com.
29. Goodman, Tim. (September 26, 2011). "Hart of Dixie: TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
30. Genzlinger, Neil. (September 22, 2011). "After A Life Shakeup, Physician, Reveal Thy True Self". The New York Times.
31. McNamara, Mary. (September 26, 2011). "Television Review: 'Hart of Dixie'". the Los Angeles Times.
32. Masters, Megan. (May 17, 2011). "CW Picks Up Rachel Bilson and Sarah Michelle Gellar Shows, Kevin Williamson's Secret Circle". TVLine.com.
33. Mitovich, Matt Webb. (August 17, 2011). "Fall TV First Impression: Hart Of Dixie Serves Up Rachel Bilson, Southern Comforts". TVLine.
34. Gorman, Bill. (September 27, 2011). "Monday Broadcast Final Ratings: 'Terra Nova,' '2.5 Men,' 'Castle,' HIMYM, 'Hart Of Dixie,' 'Broke Girls' Adjusted Up; 'Gossip Girl,' 'Mike & Molly' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers.
35. Bibel, Sara. (May 15, 2012). "Monday Final Ratings: 'How I Met Your Mother', 'Two and a Half Men', 'Mike & Molly', 'America's Got Talent' & 'The Bachelorette' Adjusted Up". Tv by the Numbers.
36. Gorman, Bill. (May 24, 2012). "Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'". Tv by the Numbers.
37. Bibel, Sara. (October 3, 2012). "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'NCIS', 'The Voice', & 'Dancing With the Stars' Special Adjusted Up; 'Go On', 'Vegas' & 'Parenthood' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers.
38. The Futon Critic Staff. (February 26, 2013). "Exclusive: The CW Sets Season Finale Dates". The Futon Critic.
39. Patten, Dominic. (May 23, 2013). "Full 2012–2013 TV Season Series Rankings".
40. "Hart of Dixie Web Season Three Episode Guide – Hart of Dixie Web". Hart of Dixie Web.
41. (February 26, 2014). "The CW Sets Season Finale Dates and Kicks Off Summer with Four-Hour Event Series "Labyrinth"". The CW.
42. (May 19, 2014). "Friday Final Ratings: 'Shark Tank' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.zap2it.com". TVbytheNumbers.
43. (May 22, 2014). "Primetime TV Series 2013–2014 Ratings & Rankings — Full List – Deadline".
44. Kondolojy, Amanda. (December 16, 2014). "Monday Final Ratings: 'Jane the Virgin', 'The Voice', 'The Great Christmas Light Fight' & 'State of Affairs' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers.
45. UFO, Dark. (February 3, 2015). "CW Programming Calendar – March 2015 – Various Shows". Spoiler TV.
46. Bibel, Sara. (March 30, 2015). "Friday Final Ratings: No Adjustments to 'Hart of Dixie' or 'Grimm & Final Basketball Numbers". TV by the Numbers.
47. (May 22, 2015). "Primetime TV Series 2014–2015 Ratings & Rankings — Full List – Deadline".
48. (July 6, 2011). "Who Won the 2011 Tater Top Awards?". [[E!]].
49. (January 11, 2012). "2012 People's Choice Awards winners list". Zap2it.
50. (June 4, 2013). "Viewer voting opens for 11th annual ASTRA Awards". ASTRA Awards.
51. (March 20, 2014). "ASTRA AWARDS FINALISTS & WINNERS". ASTRA Awards.
52. (June 18, 2014). "FIRST WAVE OF "TEEN CHOICE 2014" NOMINEES ANNOUNCED". Teen Choice Awards.
53. Knox, David. (December 26, 2011). "Airdate: Hart of Dixie". [[TV Tonight]].
54. "Shows – Hart of Dixie". CHCH.com.
55. "TV Guide: Hart of Dixie is on TV this week ...". TVGuide.co.uk.
56. "Hart of Dixie". [[TVNZ]] Online.
57. "Rachel Bilson back on primetime TV via Hart of Dixie".
58. "The new series of the month 'Hart of Dixie' replaced 'Glee lll' on Friday 13th July on TrueSeries channel ...". pantip.com.
59. (February 3, 2012). "Really To Air Hart Of Dixie In April". TVWise.