Single by 30

Single by 30 is a romantic dramedy web television series originally produced by Wong Fu Productions and later premiered on YouTube Red in 2016. The series was launched as a part of YouTube Red's original series lineup and has since garnered considerable positive feedback for its relatable characters and engaging storylines.

The show's plot centers around two high school friends, Peter and Joanna, who reconnect a decade after making a pact that should they still be single when they turn thirty, they would marry each other. While the series name outrightly spells this pact, Single by 30 is certainly much more than just two friends deciding to get married.

The intricate storyline follows the lives of these two characters, navigating their sentimental journey and emotional growth as they inch towards the big 3-0. In the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, viewers follow Peter and Joanna as they endure the trials of modern romance and friendship amidst the pressures of society's expectations.

From the creators of Wong Fu Productions, Philip Wang, Wesley Chan, and Todd Jackson, Single by 30 is a testament to their ability to create engaging and hand-crafted narratives that consider the subtleties of identity, race, and culture in the context of a romantic comedy. They have managed to bring the diversity of Los Angeles to the surface with the most common denominator – love.

Peter, played by the charismatic Harry Shum Jr. (Glee, Shadowhunters), is an aspiring musician turned office drone post-college, negotiating through his mundane life with a sense of lost ambitions. Meanwhile, Joanna, brought to life by Kina Grannis, a folk-pop singer turned actress, is a sleek marketing specialist who returns to Los Angeles to care for her ailing mother, only to grapple with the realities and challenges that her own life had so far been free from.

Exclusive to YouTube Red at the time, the first season consisted of eight episodes, each lasting 24-28 minutes. Throughout these episodes, viewers get to see Peter and Joanna stay true to their pact, contemplate it, or even forget it and do their own thing, all in the backdrop of Los Angeles's glittering skylines and urban landscapes.

The show strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama, blending lighthearted banter with heartfelt moments aptly. Because of its smart writing, Single by 30 offers an authentic take on the fears, desires, and insecurities of millennials who are stuck in relationships that lie somewhere between being friends and lovers. It explores the dynamics of turning a long-standing friendship into a romantic relationship and how societal pressures can both act as a barrier and a catalyst to it.

The supporting characters of the show, particularly Peter's younger brother Mark, played by Eric Ochoa, and their mutual friend Lisa, portrayed by Hillary Anne Matthews, further add depth and dimension to the story. Their side stories and dynamics provide a wholesome narrative, keeping the storyline fresh and varied.

Single by 30 also addresses important points about Asian-American representation in the media. The show doesn't shy away from reflecting an array of diverse cultures. This diverse casting fits the narrative seamlessly and gives the series relevance in a time when representation is an ongoing discussion in Hollywood.

However, Single by 30 isn't just about the relationships and challenges of its main characters; it also emphasizes the importance of personal development and self-discovery throughout the narrative while maintaining a light, enjoyable tone throughout. This feel-good series is filled with enough doses of romance, drama, friendship, and a dash of humor to keep the viewers engaged and invested in the story.

In conclusion, Single by 30 is a well-executed original series—an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of love, friendship, growing up, and the generational struggle of following societal norms. It's the perfect bingeable series for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet insightful dramedy, capturing the essence of contemporary millennial living.