'Unexpected' role for CW veteran

On the new CW drama “Life Unexpected,” actor Kerr Smith plays Ryan, a radio host who learns to embrace the return of Lux (Brittany Robertson), the 15-year-old daughter his fiancee, Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby), gave up for adoption. Ryan also has to deal with Lux’s paternal father, Nate “Baze” Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha), who has trouble coping with fatherhood—and who might be trying to win Cate back.

This isn’t Smith’s first role in a teen drama. From 1998 to 2003, he played Jack McPhee on “Dawson’s Creek,” back when the CW was called the WB. He spoke to TheMash last week about his new show and his return to TV—this time as a grown-up.

How is it to come back on a TV teen drama as an adult?
It’s a little weird. The transition was a bit different. The last time I was on a TV teen drama, I was 26. Then there was also “Dawson’s Creek” which actually aired on the same channel as “Life Unexpected.” But all’s good.

Does Ryan still have a shot at Cate?
I don’t think that’s the question. I think the question would be, “Does Baze still have a shot at Cate?” What most people think is that there is a love triangle (between Ryan, Baze and Cate), but there is none. They learn to deal with one another. But Cate is not swinging one way or another either.

Why is Ryan so cool with his fiancée having a daughter?
In this case, I think about what I would do if I were Ryan. I would do the right thing. It’s not that big of a deal. Ryan has his act more together than Cate does.

Will Ryan ever find out about Cate and Baze’s one-night stand?
You can’t hide it forever. I’ll find out.

What’s coming up this season?
Chaos, craziness and mistakes. Cate is adapting to the newfound situation.

Why should teens watch “Life Unexpected?”
Our show is old-school WB. If people liked that, they will like this.

You’ve done everything from the horror to drama genre. Which do you like best?
My favorite role was as Bobby Wilkerson in “E-Ring.” I used guns and took care of business.

Why did you become a part of “Life Unexpected?”
It was a great script, and I found out about it in early January of last year. When it comes to auditions, we audition for all the shows and we hope we get one. This one was great. I wanted to be part of it. The creator was my friend and also worked with me on “Dawson’s Creek,” so I was in.

“Life Unexpected” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on the CW.