So Awkward

So Awkward is a British comedy-drama sitcom that first aired on CBBC in 2015. The show focuses on the lives of three highly intellectual, socially awkward teenage girls trying to navigate the complicated world of high school, relationships, friendships, family, and personal growth.

The main characters are Lily Hampton, Martha Fit, and Jas Salford. Lily, portrayed by Cleo Demetriou, is an endearing, sharing, caring, and ambitious individual who often finds herself stuck amidst diverse situations due to her overthinking behavior. Saliently, her affectionate nature and perpetual aim to save the day regardless of the trouble add more depth to her character. Martha Fit, brought to life by Sophia Dall'aglio, is a quintessential nerd with a sharp wit and an incessant appetite for knowledge. She seems to be oblivious to the normal social conventions that make the world tick, a trait that often lands her in awkward social situations. While Jas Salford, played by actress Ameerah Falzon-Ojo, is an eccentric and creative person with a unique view of the world.

All of these girls are academically gifted, the first in class for nearly everything, but their intelligent-yet-idiosyncratic natures make them 'outsiders' in the eyes of the cool kids. Their naivety, combined with their genius intellect, often places them in hilariously awkward situations with their schoolmates and teachers.

The world of So Awkward is made more complex and entertaining by the presence of other characters, like the caring yet slightly eccentric Mr. Salford and the sweet-natured yet competitive Mrs. Hampton, who invariably get caught up in the girls' escapades. Likewise, Matt Furnish, played by Archie Lyndhurst, persistently provides a Will they/Won’t they subplot with Lily.

The storylines predominantly explore the trials and tribulations of teenage life, from the complex dynamics of friendship to the torment and joy of first romantic relationships. The series also explores more complex issues like parental pressures, peer acceptance, and the girls' struggle to find their own identity.

So Awkward draws you into the familiar yet peculiar world of its protagonists and manages to weave a humorous yet heartwarming narrative. At the heart of the show is the girls’ unbreakable bond of friendship. Their quirkiness and unique perspectives on life arguably make them authentic, relatable, and heart-winning characters to the audience of all ages alike.

The series is a clever, beautifully crafted show that combines humor and emotion to produce compelling narratives about adolescence, intelligence, and what it means to be 'different'. There are moments of comedic gold and moments that tug at the heartstrings. It perfectly captures the strange, hilarious, and sometimes painful experiences of growing up.

The performances of the young cast are commendable, with each actor imbuing their respective characters with relatability and charm. Their performances are matched by the quality of the writing, which deftly balances comedy and drama. Additionally, the relationships between characters are convincingly portrayed, reflecting the ups and downs of teenage friendships and romances.

Visuals do not stay behind in adding another layer of charm to this well-crafted teen sitcom. The school settings are emotional yet pleasantly low-key, making them instantly relatable.

In conclusion, So Awkward is not merely a comedy for kids but a show that uses humor to address what it's like to go through adolescence while being different from what's considered 'normal'. While it elicits laughs, it also invites the audience, regardless of age, to think about their own experiences of growing up, our societal expectations, and standards of 'normalcy', and most importantly, the value of friendship and being true to oneself. With its combination of comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments, So Awkward is an entertaining and insightful series, bursting with relatable characters and situations which makes it a must-watch show on CBBC's roster.