Guide Note

The Starter Wife chronicles the divorce of Molly Kagen from her movie mogal husband. It is based on the novel of the same name by Gigi Levangie Grazer. The program aired on USA as a six-part mini series beginning May 31, 2007.

Fast Facts

1. First aired: May 31, 2007
2. Network: USA
3. Based on novel by Gigi Levangie Grazer
4. Writers: Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon
5. Director: Jon Avenet

• Debra Messing as Molly Kagan
• Judy Davis as Joan McAllister
• Miranda Otto as Cricket Stewart
• Peter Jacobson as Kenny Kagen
• Anika Noni Rose as Lavender
• Joe Mantegna as Lou Manahan
• Trilby Glover as Shoshanna

"The two-hour premiere...is neither trashy enough to qualify as a Jackie Collins-type guilty pleasure nor hip enough to break ground sifting through Hollywood's dirty, overpriced lingerie."—Variety¹

"It’s the TV equivalent to a satisfying, entirely inconsequential beach read."—Chicago Tribune²

"Of course I'm cranky, I haven't eaten in 12 years!"—Molly Kagen³

"I work 24/7 making sure that Kenny Kagan never has to remember or do anything that he doesn't wanna do... and I do it all with perfect hair!"—Molly Kagen⁴