Faking It

The unique television series Faking It from MTV, which was aired from 2014-2016, explores the complexities of modern teen life through the lens of two best friends Karma and Amy, navigating the tumultuous waters of high school, friendship, and sexuality in a witty, heartwarming, and socially conscious narrative.

Set in the progressive, suburbia-based Hester High School in Austin, Texas, Faking It delves into the lives of Karma (played by Katie Stevens) and Amy (played by Rita Volk), who are inseparable besties. While they're popular in their own circle, they are generally regarded as outsiders by their more popular classmates. Despite this, they harbor dreams of escalating their social standing and becoming a part of the in-crowd.

Their ticket to popularity arrives in an unexpected and comedic twist of fate. The high school, which prides itself on its open-mindedness and celebration of diversity, mistakenly labels Karma and Amy as a lesbian couple, and suddenly, they find themselves under the exploding popularity spotlight. Sensing an opportunity, they decide to keep up the ruse and pretend to be a couple, even though Karma is straight and Amy is unsure of her own sexuality. Thus, the title ‘Faking It’ becomes a double entendre, representing both the act of pretending to be lesbian and the societal pressures to fake or suppress one's identity to achieve acceptance.

Besides Karma and Amy, other key characters in Faking It include Liam (Gregg Sulkin), the quintessential high school heartthrob and artist who finds himself irresistibly drawn to Karma. Then there's Shane (Michael Willett), a genuine gay individual, who is one of the most popular guys in school. Shane becomes a crucial ally and confidant to both Karma and Amy, aiding them in their romantic and personal endeavors. Lastly, there's Lauren (Bailey De Young), Amy's stepsister, whose uptight, queen-bee personality contrasts sharply with the other characters' quirker demeanors.

The show is more than just a teen romantic comedy; it's a poignant examination of identity, friendship, and the way societal perceptions shape an individual's self-concept and relationships. Faking It successfully separates itself from the pack of other teenage dramas with its thought-provoking themes, bold narrative arcs, and a refreshingly diverse cast of characters.

Each episode is interwoven with humor, drama, and heartwarming moments showcasing the characters’ hilarious high school adventures and evolving relationships, with an undying focus on Amy and Karma's friendship. They deal with typical teenage issues such as crushes, jealousy, peer pressure, popularity contests, and parental expectations, all while navigating the minefield of maintaining their 'couple' facade. Adding further complexity are their personal growth trajectories, particularly Amy's exploration of her sexuality.

With a refreshingly modern take on what it means to grow up in a socially vigilant era, Faking It tackles various contemporary dynamics like LGBTQ+ identification and acceptance, the meaning and value of friendship, expectations versus reality, and societal pressures. It attempts to challenge and dissolve stereotypes, prejudices, and cliches associated with high school while taking progressive stances on diversity and depicting an accepting, supportive community in Hester High School.

Created by Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov, and developed by Carter Covington, Faking It is effectively funny, charmingly peculiar, and moving in its attempt to discuss and present issues relevant to today's youth. Its central narrative and underlying themes strike a chord with those struggling with identity issues or simply grappling with life as a teenager. It appeals to a broad audience for its realism, smart writing, relatable characters, and a strong message of self-love, acceptance, and the significance of genuine friendships.

In conclusion, Faking It is not your typical teen drama. It’s a trail-blazing series that grapples with high school life's layered realities through an empathetic and socially conscious lens. Its unique blend of humor, sentiment, and societal commentary makes it a compelling watch for those who appreciate sincerity and depth in storytelling. It doesn’t shy away from portraying the bittersweet journey of growing up, making Faking It a remarkable show in the landscape of young adult television.