Loretta Devine recently shed light on her experience working alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt on the Lifetime drama series “The Client List,” hinting at some behind-the-scenes tension. 

The acclaimed actress, 75, spoke candidly about the matter during an interview with People at the American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles.

When asked about her time on “The Client List,” which aired from 2012 to 2013, Devine described her experience as “mixed.” 

While initially excited about the project, she revealed that an unexpected shift in the show’s creative direction altered her enthusiasm.

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Influence on the Show’s Direction

According to Devine, Hewitt, who not only starred in but also executive produced the series, made significant changes to the storyline midway through production. 

“You know what? She decided to rewrite the entire angle of the show right in the middle,” Devine recalled.

Although she didn’t elaborate on the specifics of the changes, Devine acknowledged that she had high hopes for the series. “I was very excited about the show,” she said, emphasizing how every project serves as a learning experience. “Everything gets you prepared for whatever you’re going to do next.”

The Client List: A Show Cut Short by Creative Differences

Based on the 2010 Lifetime TV movie of the same name, “The Client List” followed Riley Parks (played by Hewitt), a struggling single mother who takes a job at a Texas massage parlor, only to discover that some of her clients expect more than just a massage. The show also starred Cybill Shepherd, Rebecca Field, Alicia Lagano, Brian Hallisay, and Colin Egglesfield.

Despite its promising start, “The Client List” was canceled after just two seasons. Reports suggested that creative disagreements, particularly between Hewitt and the show’s producers, played a role in the decision.

According to Deadline, Hewitt wanted her real-life relationship with co-star Brian Hallisay incorporated into the show. At the time, she was pregnant with their first child and reportedly insisted that Hallisay’s character become Riley Parks’ baby’s father. However, this clashed with the original creative vision, as showrunners preferred Colin Egglesfield’s character to take on that role.

As negotiations reached a standstill, Lifetime ultimately decided to cancel the series. Before the cancellation, Hewitt’s representative defended the actress, stating, “There are many storylines we are exploring. So any suggestion that we are not doing our best to develop a great season is simply not accurate.”

Life After ‘The Client List’

While “The Client List” met an untimely end, both Devine and Hewitt continued to find success in their respective careers.

Devine, known for her illustrious career spanning decades in television, film, and theater, remains a respected figure in Hollywood.

Hewitt, on the other hand, transitioned to the FOX procedural drama “9-1-1,” where she reunited with Hallisay. Interestingly, in the series, the real-life couple plays a formerly married pair, reflecting their off-screen relationship. Hewitt and Hallisay tied the knot in November 2013 and have since built a family together, raising three children—Autumn, 11, Atticus, 10, and Aidan, 3.

In an interview with People last year, Hewitt expressed pride in her marriage, noting the longevity of their relationship in the entertainment industry. “That’s like 190 years in Hollywood,” the “Party of Five” alum joked. “I’m really proud of the family we’ve made together. I’m proud of us.”

Lingering Tension or Just a Learning Experience?

While Devine’s comments suggest some creative friction with Hewitt, she did not dwell on any lingering resentment. Instead, she took a diplomatic approach, recognizing that each experience contributes to professional growth. Her acknowledgment of the challenges faced during “The Client List” adds another layer to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of television production, where creative differences often influence the fate of a show.

As for Hewitt, she has yet to publicly respond to Devine’s remarks. Whether their working relationship was truly strained or simply a case of artistic differences, the impact of “The Client List” and the decisions made behind the scenes remain an intriguing footnote in both actresses’ careers.

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