Venice the Series (2009– ) User Reviews (21)

Beautiful Women Kissing

[Longshot1 · 7/10 · 7 August 2010]

Venice is about the epic journey of Gina Brogno, a lesbian residing in Venice Beach, CA who makes her living as the World's Best Interior Designer. Gina, played by the stunningly beautiful Crystal Chappell, is a hard-drinking, fun-loving playa who doesn't hesitate to let fly a few expletives when necessary. She is devoted to her brother Owen, a bond formed in their childhood when they both struggled with the constant disapproval of their father, The Colonel. Still haunted by deep seated daddy issues, Gina has met the love of her life, Ani Martin, a photographer played by the luscious Jessica Leccia, yet Gina has driven Ani away due to her inability to overcome her fears and make a commitment to Ani. Instead, Gina pursues a dalliance with a business associate visiting from London: Tracy Lansing (warning: wall sex) This relationship also flounders when Tracy professes her love for Gina. Then Gina reacts with anger and jealousy when her beloved brother Owen meets someone who might lead to him being in a serious relationship. Gina's unhappiness increases when Ani finally tells Gina she is moving on with her life and has met someone new: a writer named Lara Miller. The first season ends with Gina's father (The Colonel) calling to ask Gina to help him deal with a body in his garage. Not kidding.

Venice is like a soap opera on steroids and red bull. It flits from scene to scene with little thought given to plot, character development, logic, or continuity. This is a labor of love for bff producers Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrisi, and the cast is filled with many of their friends. It does appear as if everyone is having a good time and details be damned. My recommendation is to have several adult beverages, watch Venice for the pretty, enjoy the beautiful women kissing, and don't try to make sense of anything, or think too long or hard about the plot. This is definitely a beach movie.

it's a shame

[ateletters · 6/10 · 5 August 2010]

It's a shame that this wasn't correct when first posted, but i am very happy to see Hope Royaltey given the directorial credit she is due - as she was the director for all but half of two episodes in season one. Maybe her editing time will be credited as well if enough people say something about the fact that it should be... the webseries itself is sufficiently entertaining. Gorgeous to look at, with some great scenery and sun sets. The director of photography is a very talented man and has created some beautiful moments. the writing is OK, but often i found that it was the cast or the scenery or loyalty to the idea that made me keep coming back. will i watch season 2 - probably yes. will i be as invested as i was in season one - definitely no.

Venice The Series

[lilylove08 · 10/10 · 6 August 2010]

Venice was born from the love that was sent out to Crystal Chappell & Jessica Leccia via their 'Otalia' storyline on Guiding Light. This alone is reason to watch a 'thank you' to the fans.

I liked season 1 of Venice, there where parts I loved & parts that just didn't work for me. Crystal has been the first to say there where parts that where a bit weak for various reasons, e.g. weather, time etc.

More money, better equipment as well as the dedication from all the great actors is sure to enhance the quality of Season 2.

My intention is to fully support Venice for all the seasons because I believe it is going to get better. The acting from Jordan Clarke & Hilary B Smith is a master class of acting.

Crystal Chappell & Jessica Leccia's characters Gina & Ani may not be together yet, but the end game will see them be reunited.

Bring on the drama ladies and best of luck for your future epi's xx

I clicked the wrong amount of stars sowwy I rate it 6 stars can't change it ;-(

Best Web Series of 2009-2010

[madmonza · 10/10 · 4 August 2010]

Watch the 1st episode and you are hooked for life.

Not only Crystal Chappell & Jessica Leccia set the screen on fire, the rest of the cast is amazing too.

I guess in addition to Star Power, Venice also have the location. The scenery is amazing : Venice Beach takes the centre in the series with it's lovely atmosphere and wide sandy beaches.

And wait to see the story line that develops which is the real hook in this show.

So don't wait - Watch season 1 as Season 2 is just around the corner.

Ps: Venice the Series changed my life. I can't wait to see what it will do to yours :-)

Thanks to Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrisi - I love you both.

More than a soap, Venice takes a look at lives of everyday Lesbians.

[Sisterwoman39 · 10/10 · 6 August 2010]

Actress Crystal Chappell and writer Kim Turrisi have created a web series that many initially regarded as a continuation of the Otalia storyline from the late soap opera "Guiding Light". It is, however, much more than that. The Venice storyline explores the relationships within a middle class family with action revolving around the principal character, Gina, played with great sensitivity by Chappell. Further, it focuses on Gina's work life and love life as an out and proud Lesbian. The top notch cast includes a number of former Guiding Light stars including Jessica Leccia who played Chappell's love interest in the Otalia storyline. Others include players from One Life To Live and Days of Our Lives. In many cases, actors have been cast in roles quite different than they are used to playing. Season one has 12 episodes and the eagerly awaited seasons two and three are in various stages of production. Chappell and Venice are on the cutting edge of what may be the future of soaps. Chappell, who also directs and produces, has been able to create a quality product with greater freedom of expression and superior production values and has done so less expensively and with economy of effort. A must-see.

Venicetheseries

[bitchslap1 · 9/10 · 5 August 2010]

Venice........ Love it. Why do I love it? The first thing that comes to mind is Crystal Chappell. Just the fact that she went to the trouble to create this series speaks volumes to me. Of course there are other reasons. The cinematography is beautiful, the story interesting, the acting, outstanding. What is there not to love? I look forward to experiencing season two. If you have not viewed season one, I highly suggest you give it a chance. Venice is not perfect, but either is life. I do know... that like a fine wine..... Venice will improve and just become better. After all it is a work in progress. So sit back, put your feet up and drink it in! Love you Crystal and Kimmy! Thanks so much!

Not bad... not brilliant. I hope Season 2 is better!

[BabyGirl29 · 5/10 · 6 August 2010]

I was highly invested in Venice The Series even before Episode 1 debuted but I sincerely hope improvements are made for Season 2 because Season 1 was a bit of a disappointment overall. I would say pretty much everything Ate Letters wrote, ditto I'm glad about Hope Royaltey getting the directorial credit she deserves. Seems she was quickly let go and forgotten about which is a huge shame since she created much of the hype amongst fans during it's development period.

It did fail to deliver what was promised in some aspects. Maybe expectations were too high but I found the dodgy camera work and bad sound off putting in certain episodes. The story was convoluted with badly written dialogue in some places and the clothed lovers was just ridiculously unrealistic; a sore point with me and many people who crave the realism we thought would finally be shown after so much censorship on mainstream TV.

Quite frankly I would watch anything that starred Crystal Chappell in all her gorgeous fabulousness but Season 2 will have to be much improved to keep me as a paying viewer.

I find it comical that whilst one reviewer calls it "one of the most epic television series since Lush Life" they don't know the "British lady from As The World Turns" is Lesli Kay (not British and frankly the worst British accent in TV history) and has given Michelle (Michael) Carter's character a sex change! A tad over-invested methinks. Jambie67's comment was spot on, more thought needs to be put into the writing. And WreckerTrecker makes some very good points too.

I am still grateful that this concept was seen through to completion, it's a marvellous step forward for the future of television as internet-based entertainment and also for LGBT visibility. I appreciate all the hard work put in by the V team and I cross my fingers that Season 2 just delivers a bit more.

Overall not bad, but not brilliant.

Best Webseries yet!

[hayley-811-416091 · 10/10 · 6 August 2010]

Venice the series is just amazing! I loved every second of season 1 and am looking forward to season 2 even more. Everything Crystal and Kimmy have done for the fans just continues to blow my mind. They put 110% into the show and it is clearly shown on the screen when each episode is released. Their communication with the fans is the best I have ever seen and truly makes a difference. The characters are so spot on and I find myself engaged in the emotion. I had watched Otalia so I was very familiar with Jessica and Crystal. Although I was never familiar with Nadia from DOOL. She plays Lara with such class. I immediately fell in love with her character... so bravo to Miss Bjorlin! But all in all, I enjoy watching everybody on the show. They have done such a fabulous job and I can't wait to see the series move forward! The community is beautiful, loving, devoted and always there! Thank you Crystal, Kim and Jessica for bringing everybody together. You have changed lives!

Wasted Potential

[betterbet · 2/10 · 7 August 2010]

This web series had the potential to really set a new precedence in this type of media. There was already a tremendous fan base on the heels of the end of the long running soap opera, Guiding Light, and the Otalia storyline. The 3rd partner in Open Book Productions, Hope Royaltey, was brilliant, in my opinion, in using social media to draw in the fan base and keep everyone excited through the use of clues that introduced new characters, and social networking on the website that she created.

Having said that, there's only so much you can do with a poorly written script. As other reviewers have mentioned, the writing can be summed up through the use of the words "fuck" and "fucktard". After awhile it almost seemed as if a middle school student had written some of the script, and this was their first opportunity to use the "F" word. Other things that were a big turnoff included the use of the Beatles and other references that Ms. Turrisi is known for having an obsession towards. Thank you, Ms. Turrisi, for ruining the Beatles for me.

Overall the acting was decent. Ms. Leccia and Mr. Gerring stand out for me in this area, as well as Ms. Chappell even though her character had absolutely no endearing qualities. The wall sex scene was just embarrassing beyond words, along with Ms. Kay's terrible on-and-off again British accent.

The visual aspects of the show were excellent, in my opinion. Loved the beach scenery, etc. The sound sucked.

Finally, in my opinion, I would watch Season 2 if it was available in a low quality version on youTube. I can't imagine the writing could possibly get any worse, only better. However, I will not pay to watch this unless they bring in another writer to help with the main writer, Ms. Turrisi.

Venice is a must see!

[sueers · 10/10 · 5 August 2010]

Venice is a wonderful soap that keeps you wanting to see more. It keeps you asking questions about what will happen next. Who will Gina get together with? Will their father ever understand them? Why doesn't everyone have a Guya in their life?

Venice was created by Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrisi as a gift of love to Crystal's fans. It has a marvelously talented cast who make you want to see more. The cast is made up of many of today's hottest daytime stars from "Guiding Light," "Days of Our Lives," and "One Life To Live."

The show is filled with all sorts of original music including the theme song by Jen Foster.

Venice doesn't disappoint. Thirty seconds in is the kiss fans waited a year and a half for.

See season 1 now. Season two will be coming soon with longer episodes that keep you coming back for more.

Venice is worth seeing

[jordan812 · 5 August 2010]

well I loved it. I really think that this show is worth it. I love the lead character Gina..because i love when i see a character that makes u so...crazy.i want to keep watching cause i want to see how and if she is going to change. she reminds me of a lot of people in my life that I want to change. and i really hope that Ani and Gina would find a way to be together. i love season one and i am not so patiently waiting for season 2....which should be starting soon. if anyone reading this review is to ask me why should they watch this show....one reason would be...well Crystal Chappell of course.i'll tell you what i really like about this show, it's the writing, i like that you can't figure exactly every thing out about the characters at first view. it makes you want to keep watching to find out more about them. i am just so glad I found Venice.it keeps me entertained and i can't wait to see what happens in the next season. it ended with a body in the garage. and you can't tell who it is cause it's covered up.

Season one Venice ( great start to a great series)

[vfoss555 · 10/10 · 10 August 2010]

I loved Venice season one i love random and things a little rough around the edges so what some may think are Venices failures are some of the things i liked the most. They have a great cast and the the web allows them the freedom to really bring it. It is a soap but without the network to tamper their acting.I see this series only getting better as seasons progress. Born out of Crystal Chappells love for her Otalia storyline on Guiding light (now cancelled) and the fans that embraced it.The best part is that you don't have to be an Otalia fan to enjoy Venice because it stands on its own. The series brings to life many things that people in the gay/lesbian community go through in life and relationships but still has soapy drama. The website offers a way to communicate with other fans and many of the cast our on twitter, you can see behind the scenes and pics as well. The production values were great in season one.

Beautiful all around

[Funfishfun · 9/10 · 6 August 2010]

Only reason I didn't give this a 10 was because the writing was a bit cliché for me in parts, oh and eppy 2.

Venice the series has all the ingredients for success. Beauty abounds in this web series both with location shots and the cast. Jessica Leccia is just a beauty to behold. Nadia Bjorlin is her love interest and the two of them make this show all about the pretty. They are so lovely to watch. Crystal Chappell has her work cut out for her in season 2, but looking forward to seeing the pretty that Crystal has gathered together for this project. Guiding Light's Otalia my have been the spark that got this series going, but Jessica Leccia and company have what it takes to keep it going sans Otalia undertones. Looking forward to season two and seeing Jessica Leccia shine. #FreeAni

soap opera web series built around a lesbian character and her family and friends

[Bayardnb · 9/10 · 5 August 2010]

This is an amazing soap opera web series created from the ground up by actress Crystal Chappell and her writing partner after her lesbian storyline on Guiding Light was extinguished when GL was canceled. She was able to amass a great cast of other soap actors to play supporting roles, including her love-interest from GL, Jessica Leccia. The production values on the show are impressive, and Season 2 looks to be even better. This is not shot on Sony handycams people! It has gay characters on it but also straight, and is a "soap" so there are family issues, and mysterious intrigue. Chappell went to the web with the show to avoid TV exec censorship of the gay storyline and language. It doesn't show as much 'skin' as The L Word sometimes did, much to some fans' dismay, but there's only been one 'season' and the creators are still trying to get the characters established.

Something to believe in

[AlexChurch80 · 2/10 · 5 August 2010]

Venice the series is one of the most epic television series since 'Lush Life' on Fox! The acting is phenomenal. Let alone the writing, it will send shivers of pure bliss up and down your body! Is there a way for them to win Oscars? Yes! Its that amazing! Gina's character is my favorite! Crystal Chappell plays the best alcoholic lesbian designer, wee! Although I wasn't too fond of her pairing with that one British lady from As The World Turns, but the rest is so amazing you overlook that tiny part that's not very good. Also, Michael Carter's character is fantastic, the ethnic diversity is also epic! This show will make you think things you never thought before, it will move you to your core, you might even find the lord! Thank you CC and KT for helping me get through the sudden demise of my goldfish Roberto Lupe Del Torre Mendoza-Church.

RIP Robbie, here's a fin up for you buddy!

Very good show with remarkable potential

[tfranceswade · 10/10 · 2 September 2010]

I think that Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrissi have done a fabulous job of putting together a web series that is really interesting and looks great! Season one was very good, but I feel like the characters were not developed fully. With that said, I also think that they are learning what works and what doesn't. I am very hopeful that season two is going to show the growth that they have experienced. From what I have heard from Chappell and Turrissi, that is exactly what they have done. If you want a series that is soapy, looks great, has wonderful dialogue and amazing chemistry,come on over to Venice Beach and have some fun...."soonish." (quote from Crystal Chappell).

Some amazing acting is going on in this series. I'm excited!

Don't waste your time

[Jambie67 · 1/10 · 6 August 2010]

Crap of the highest order. This "series" has no discernible plot. It's just a bunch of characters in scenes - mostly taking advantage of the fact that one can say "fuck" on the Internet. The acting is weak, the music is clawing, and the script is just dreadful. Also? the sex scenes are about as UNsexy as possible. Decent camera work does not save this unholy mess. It DOES carry some value in the way of comedy. One of the characters has just returned from a missionary job where she administered the AIDS vaccine in Africa. Holy moly - they created an AIDS vaccine and forgot to tell us! Who's watching this junk and enjoying it?

Alternative to the Dying Daytime Drama

[junebuggnc · 10/10 · 23 January 2012]

Are you a soap opera fan? Are you mad about the genre dying out? Well, if you don't mind spending a small subscription fee for each season you can have your soaps again.

Crystal Chappell is a visionary, plain and simple. Crystal's involvement with the Oatlia storyline on Guiding Light opened her eyes and heart to the LGBT community. She felt that this community was robbed of seeing Otalia to fruition. She, also, saw the potential for telling a story on the internet that encompassed this community. By Crystal keeping total control, she doesn't have to answer to anyone and by telling this story on the internet, she doesn't have to worry about censorship! Season 1 was the ice breaker; establishing characters, the start of the story and figuring out how to produce a show for the web with very little money. Season 2 was hands down a 100% better, the story telling, the feel & flow and the filming were such an improvement. Crystal is learning and improving as she goes.

Season 2, we saw hands down some of Crystal's best work. Gina's reading of her letter to Ani. Also, she brought out the best in Nadia Bjorlin in her breakdown scene. In my opinion, Nadia's best work too! That episode gave Crystal the best recognition ever when she and Venice won an Emmy!

We are 3/4 of the way through Season 3, as I write this, and I am loving it so much. You have the drama between Gina, her unrequited love for Ani, Lara and her battle with the bottle and hiding her slips from Ani, Guya seeing her dead sister's spirit & helping her cross over, not to mention the Colonel's recovery, the Colonel and Gina's repair of their father-daughter relationship, Van's deliberate manipulation of Owen's love life. Then there are the twists and turns…Will Ani ever find Gina's letter with her declaration of undying love? Will Ani find out that Lara read the letter and lied to Gina? Will Gina and Jamie get caught for their improper disposal of a dead body? Will it come out that the Colonel was seeing hookers? Will we ever find out why Van has it in for Owen? What's the deal with Sami, is she missing a screw or two? Will Richard ever find out why Gina disappeared after high school? I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things. Who knew that Hilary B. Smith could be soooo hilarious? I didn't. I was mostly familiar with her work from ATWT when she played Margo, I've only watch OLTL for the last year or so. I love this woman! She has no fear! Her comment to Judi Evans' Logan, Gina's ex, about someone dropping a house on her was too funny and classic! I can't not mention the funeral and Jamie song, 'Paid to Get Laid'. Oh, that was so up there!

I think what make Venice the best is that all of the actors and crew are doing this for two reasons: (1) Crystal is providing them with great characters and great writing; (2) they are doing this because Crystal asked. When she went to most of these folks and said 'will you do me a favor?' the answer was yes even before she told them what the favor was. These actors are getting paid very little if anything to support Crystal in giving us Venice.

In closing, Venice is the next step in the evolution of the daytime drama. Not only can we look forward to more seasons of Venice, but more web shows from Crystal Chappell!

terrific Web Series!

[manelli1 · 18 September 2011]

Best Web series! Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leticia are terrific! One episode will have you hooked! Real stories you can relate too. Crystal and Kimmi have terrific writing!I loved every second of season 1 and 2 and I am looking forward to season 3 even more!!Everything Crystal has done for the fans just continues to blow my mind.!I enjoy watching everybody on the show. They have done such a fabulous job and I can't wait to see the series move forward! The community is beautiful, loving, devoted and always there! Thank you Crystal, Kim and Jessica for bringing everybody together. You have changed lives!fabulous job of putting together a web series that is really interesting and looks great!

Venice The Series is Excellent

[gutzybabe · 10/10 · 21 February 2011]

I saw Season 2 of Venice The Series & in one word EXCELLENT! Even though I enjoyed Season 1 I have to say that Season 2 was so much better. The acting is incredible. I think it's the best web series out there. I can't wait for Season 3!!! This was a labor of love from actress Crystal Chappell to her fans after the soap opera she was on "Guiding Light" was canceled. Her storyline of "Otalia" as it was affectionately referred to was a love story between two women. The actresses were never able to kiss on the show hence "Venice The Series". I will be forever grateful to Ms.Chappell for the making of "Venice" after being heartbroken at the end of "Guiding Light".

Terrible

[malakfamily · 1/10 · 7 November 2011]

Let me start by saying I'm not an Otalia fan and I never saw Guiding Light, I was however intrigued by Venice after seeing previews of it and being told that some of the episodes would be put on You Tube for free. It is so bad.

I don't understand how any one could say it is good. It's boring. The writing is terrible. The cast is a good one but I'm not sure what's gone wrong, whether it's the terrible writing or just bad acting, it is just bad.

On top of that you have to pay for it, wow is all I can say. Scratching my head how it got an Emmy, it's probably the worst thing I have ever seen.