The foster care drama that almost became a science fiction series

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before it was a heartwarming tale of reunited biological parents in Portland, the show was titled 'Light Years.' This CW drama explored the complexities of sudden custody, but despite critical praise, it faced a sudden cancellation that left fans campaigning for its survival.

Created by Liz Tigelaar, the series originally went by the title 'Light Years' because the protagonist, Lux Cassidy, has a name meaning 'Light.' The title underwent several iterations—from 'LUX' to 'Life UneXpected' with a capitalized 'X'—before settling on its final form. The show' and its creator were part of a larger industry shuffle; while ABC Studios initially accepted the pitch, the project was later picked up by CBS Television Studios after ABC dropped it for financial reasons.

The narrative centers on Lux, a teenager who spent much of her life in the foster care system due to medical complications at birth, specifically a ventricular septal defect. When she attempts to seek legal emancipation, a judge instead grants temporary joint custody to her biological parents, Nate 'Baze' Bazile and Cate Cassidy. The series explores the friction of this new family unit, including Baze's transition from a 'slacker-esque' bar owner to a responsible father, and Cate's struggle to commit to a daughter she gave up at age 16.

Despite receiving positive reviews—with critics comparing it to 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Everwood'—the series struggled with television ratings. Although the cast campaigned to save the show, The CW officially announced its cancellation via Twitter on December 6, 2010. The series concluded after two seasons, which aired between January 2010 and January 2011, leaving behind a completed story arc that fast-forwards to Lux's high school graduation.

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