Privileged

Privileged is a television series from The CW network that aired for only one season from 2008-2009. The show is based on Zoey Dean's popular novel, "How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls," and was developed for television by Rina Mimoun. It stars JoAnna Garcia in the lead role, with the series blending piquant humor, heartfelt drama, and themes of identity, class conflicts, and familial bonds.

The series opens with Megan Smith (JoAnna Garcia), a highly ambitious Yale graduate who, despite her high hopes and big dreams, finds herself working for a trashy tabloid magazine. Just when she thinks her dreams of becoming a hard-nosed journalist have crumbled, a twist of fate offers her an unexpected opportunity. After a series of misfortunes, Megan gets fired from her job and subsequently receives a lucrative, albeit challenging, job offer that plunges her into a plutocratic wonderland she hardly imagined.

Megan becomes a live-in tutor for two extremely privileged and pampered twin teenage girls, Rose and Sage Baker, who reside in the extravagant Palm Beach. Their life is a polar opposite of Megan's middle-class upbringing, and she must now navigate the treacherous waters of high society. The Baker twins, played with snobbish perfection by Ashley Newbrough (Sage) and Lucy Kate Hale (Rose), have led privileged lives with boundless freedoms. Their flamboyant lifestyle and air of entitlement promise to make Megan's job a highly uphill task.

Despite their stark differences and initial hostility, Megan's genuine dedication to the twins' education and her determination to make something meaningful of her life keep her going. The character of Megan Smith, with her pluck, wit, and willpower, lends a sense of realism and relatability to an otherwise fantastical scenario. Through the course of the series, the viewers witness Megan's resilience and growth amidst the high-octane drama and opulent excesses.

Other characters in 'Privileged' include Laurel Limoges, the girls' grandmother and legal guardian, played by Anne Archer. Laurel is a cosmopolitan entrepreneur who owns a successful cosmetics company. Her fascinating character oscillates between being a stern matriarch and a compassionate woman with her own vulnerabilities. Her assistant Marco, played by Allan Louis, brings charm and comic relief to the series, while Megan's best friend Charlie, played by Michael Cassidy, adds an interesting dynamic to her personal life.

Another key figure in the show is the handsome and enigmatic Will, Laurel's playboy grandson and neighbor, portrayed by Brian Hallisay. His interactions with Megan are sprinkled with tension and flirtation, offering a potential love interest that adds a romantic element to the storyline.

Each episode of 'Privileged' is filled with Megan's tireless endeavors to break through the twins' privileged carapace and introduce them to real-world realities while also trying to establish her own identity and career. The series strikes a balance between light-hearted comedy and heartfelt drama, making the journey of its characters as much about personal growth as it is about navigating through the glittering maze of high society.

While 'Privileged' paints a picture of grand extravagance and privilege, it doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities and pressures that often hide behind the glamorous facade. Through Megan's perspective, the show explores the paradoxes of wealth and privilege and how understanding, empathy, and education can bridge the gap between diverse worlds.

Despite its short run, the series was lauded for its sharp writing, solid performances, and unique premise. Garcia's charismatic performance as Megan is central to the series, and she manages to bring a balance of humor, warmth, and determination to her character.

In conclusion, 'Privileged' adds a distinct flavor to the typical 'fish out of water' storyline. It is loaded with glitz, humor, and at times, brutal honesty. It's an appealing blend of heady opulence, emotional drama, comic relief, and insightful social commentary told through the story of an ambitious woman thrown into a world she hardly prepared for.