Summerland (2004)

Bradin, Nikki, and Derrick are three kids from an average Kansas household. Their whole life turns upside-down when their parents are tragically killed in a car accident. Their aunt Ava Gregory gets custody of them and they move into her Summerland, California home. Ava, a struggling clothing designer, lives with her best friend/business partner Susannah Rexford, her Ava Gregory (their aunt) gets custody of her niece and nephews and they move into her Californian home (in Summerland). Ava, a struggling clothes designer, lives with her best friend and business partner Susannah Rexford, her ex-pro surfer friend Jay Robertson, and her ex-boyfriend, real-estate agent Johnny Durrant. All four of them are highly unequipped to handle children and unused to including them in their everyday lives. The series follows each of their struggles through life. Ava is trying to get her fashion line to take off and fighting feeling for her childhood sweetheart Johnny--and now she's trying to bring up her sister's children as well as possible. Johnny is forever trying to fight his feelings for Ava, knowing he ruined that relationship long ago. Johnny is the father figure to the children. Jay owns a surf shop and is trying to win back ex-girlfriend Erica Spaulding. He acts as the cool big brother to the 3 children and he and Bradin develop a close relationship. Bradin is growing up and getting led astray very easily in the teenage world. He drinks, takes drugs, and gets arrested after getting involved with 'bad-apple' Sara, who he then helps to get her life back on track. Later he falls in love with Callie, only to get hurt again. He discovers a passion for surfing and becomes very good--and falls for his coach, Erica Spaulding. Nikki is at an awkward age of 13 and trying to fit into the Californian teenage world. She is very bright and enjoys reading books and writing poetry more than hanging out at the mall and shopping for clothes. Early on Nikki meets Cameron Bale and they develop a strong relationship and ultimately fall in love. Derrick takes to Johnny immediately and the two develop a good friendship, he also finds his "one soul mate" in a little girl named Martha. This is basically a fun show of sun, sea, and sand mixed with great storyline and emotional input, and will leave you wanting more. Great cast, excellent chemistry, and beautiful scenery.