How does it feel to play an unpopular girl on a show called Popular?
In Carly Pope's case, natural.

"I originally read for the part of [superpopular] Brooke, but I realized I didn't believe myself in that role," she says. "The execs must have noticed too, because they asked if I read for the part of [not so popular] Sam instead."

And of course, she got the part, probably because Carly, who's 19, has the same attitude towards popularity as Sam does: She doesn't get it.

"The whole issue is extremly baffling. There are always those people who are popular for the wrong reasons- for materialistic reasons, or because they have the right boyfriend."

As for her own love life, Carly has opted to stay single for now.

"I was dating someone, but we decided to end it when I moved to L.A," says the Vancouver native. "Now, we're best friends and its incredible."

"He's on way too late," she moans. "I rarely get to watch him."