'Six Degrees' is just OK

On a scale of one-to-10, ABC's new drama "Six Degrees" rates a 6. Maybe a 5.

It's OK, but tonight's premiere (9 p.m., Ch. 4) is nothing to get excited about.

"Six Degrees" is a soap opera about six New Yorkers whose lives are interconnected in the random way all of us are connected to other people.

"This show is about the web of people that fill our lives," said executive producer Stuart Zicherman. "It's not just about friends. It's about friends, enemies, lovers, rivals, mentors."

There's Laura (Hope Davis), a single mother; Whitney (Bridget Moynahan), a career woman who has her doubts about her boyfriend; Steven (Campbell Scott), a struggling photographer; Damian (Dorian Missick), a good guy with a brother who's a criminal; Mae (Erika Christensen), who's hiding something from someone; and Carlos (Jay Hernandez), a nice guy with a crush on Mae who has no idea how much trouble he's letting himself in for.

Their stories intertwine, but it's not like they're Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe hanging out at the Central Perk.

While there are a few sparks of interest in the first hour and attempts to set up some mysteries, there's nothing really compelling. Add to that some behind-the-scenes turmoil — a new show-running executive producer was brought in just a couple of weeks ago — and the outlook for "Six Degrees" is iffy.

It's not bad. But it's not real good, either.