2015 Drama: 7 Seasons on Netflix

Summary of Younger

Younger is an American comedy-drama series created by Darren Star, based on the 2005 novel by Pamela Redmond Satran. The show premiered on TV Land on March 31, 2015, and concluded with its seventh and final season on Paramount+ and Hulu on June 10, 2021. The series is TV Land’s longest-running original show.

Plot Overview
Set in New York City, the story follows Liza Miller, a 40-year-old recently divorced mother, who pretends to be in her 20s to reenter the competitive, ageist publishing industry. Navigating her double life, Liza befriends her coworker Kelsey Peters, becomes the assistant to head of marketing Diana Trout, and manages personal relationships with Josh, a 26-year-old tattoo artist, and Charles Brooks, her boss at Empirical Press.

Main Cast

• Sutton Foster as Liza Miller
• Hilary Duff as Kelsey Peters
• Nico Tortorella as Josh
• Miriam Shor as Diana Trout
• Peter Hermann as Charles Brooks
• Molly Bernard as Lauren Heller
• Debi Mazar as Maggie Amato

Recurring and Guest Stars
The series features a wide range of characters, including Liza’s daughter Caitlin (Tessa Albertson), her ex-husband David (Paul Fitzgerald), and other friends, colleagues, and love interests. Guest stars include Camryn Manheim and Martha Plimpton, among others.

Production and Release
Created by Darren Star, the series boasts the involvement of costume consultant Patricia Field of Sex and the City fame. Originally airing on TV Land, Younger moved to Paramount+ and Hulu for its final season. Filming took place in New York, and the show often premiered episodes at the ATX Television Festival. A fictional book from the show, Marriage Vacation, was even published in real life.

Critical Reception
Younger received critical acclaim, earning high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes (97% for season one) and Metacritic. Critics praised the witty writing and Sutton Foster’s performance. While some reviewers noted occasional clichés, others highlighted the show’s charm, humor, and cultural relevance. The final season was well-received, though fans expressed mixed feelings about its conclusion.

Comments:

These reviews for Younger highlight its appeal, mixed feedback, and the emotional connections it forged with viewers:

1. Positive Highlights:
   • Fans appreciate the unique concept of exploring ageism in the workplace with humor and drama.
   • Many adore the chemistry among the cast, with particular praise for Sutton Foster, Hilary Duff, and Peter Hermann.
   • Viewers describe the show as lighthearted, relatable, and binge-worthy.
   • The show’s setting in publishing, rather than a more predictable industry like fashion, was praised for its originality.
   • The mix of romance, comedy, and drama resonated deeply, with many expressing love for Liza’s relationships with both Charles and Josh.
2. Critical Notes:
   • Some felt the show became less focused on its original theme of ageism in later seasons.
   • Liza’s age deception was a point of contention, with viewers divided on its believability and narrative execution.
   • A few found the later seasons to be more melodramatic and less engaging.
   • Portrayals of Indian culture and accents drew criticism for being stereotypical and offensive.
3. Favorites and Frustrations:
   • Diana Trout’s character, particularly her humor and iconic accessories, is a fan favorite.
   • Many were emotionally invested in the love triangle between Liza, Josh, and Charles, with divided opinions on who she should end up with.
   • Several viewers were dissatisfied with the series finale, feeling it left key plot points unresolved or strayed from the show’s earlier strengths.
4. Overall Sentiment:
   • Younger is widely regarded as addictive and entertaining, with strong characters and humor making it a beloved series.
   • Despite criticism of certain aspects, the show maintained a loyal fan base who connected deeply with its themes, characters, and relationships.
   • Many expressed sadness over its ending and hope for a continuation or spin-off.

The reviews reflect a passionate audience that both celebrated the show’s charm and critiqued its shortcomings, illustrating the lasting impact of Younger on its viewers.

Legacy
The series explored themes of identity, age, and ambition while blending humor and drama. It resonated with audiences across generations, solidifying its place as a refreshing and engaging television series.