Twenties

Twenties is a groundbreaking comedy series airing on BET in the 2020-2021 television season. The show gets its title from the exploration of life in the whirlwind years of one's twenties, and it manages to capture the unique combination of excitement, anxiety, and hope typical of this stage of life. Developed by Emmy winners Lena Waithe and Susan Fales-Hill, this series prides itself on its authentic portrayal of the black female experience, in a way that’s both refreshing and heartfelt.

The story circles around Hattie, a queer black woman in her early twenties, living in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Hattie is an aspiring screenwriter, but still struggles to make ends meet. Although Hattie is incredibly passionate about her craft and profoundly talented, she at times finds herself lost in the competitive world of Hollywood. The series realistically shows Hattie’s daily struggles--trying to keep her dreams alive while juggling part-time jobs and managing financial woes.

But Hattie doesn’t go through this tumultuous journey alone. Completing the dynamic trio are her two best friends, Marie and Nia. The pair are more successful in their respective careers and frequently serve as Hattie’s emotional rock. Marie is a hardworking, focused studio executive who must consistently grapple with maintaining her womanhood in a male-dominated workspace. Nia, on the other hand, is an upbeat, spiritual yoga instructor striving to find her purpose both personally and professionally. Through the different journeys of these three characters, Twenties exemplifies the multiple facets of black women at this age and various stages in their careers.

The show incorporates themes of friendship, love, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams. It prompts laughter and occasional wistful sighs as it delves into relatable struggles, like unrequited love, workplace politics, and the challenges of adulting. The characters in the series are imperfect, and at times deeply flawed, making them even more relatable to viewers as they navigate through their lives filled with successes, disappointments, joy, and pain.

Twenties also joyously embraces the black LGBTQ+ community by centering the story around Hattie's journey as a queer black woman. Her sexuality is a significant aspect of the show, but it never becomes her sole defining characteristic. She is represented as a regular woman dealing with routine life and career issues, while her identity as a queer person also persists throughout the narrative without question or stigma. This normalized portrayal of a queer black woman is significant, contributing an authentic and refreshing perspective rarely seen on typical television shows.

The show is a blend of drama and comedy, deftly handling serious matters and seamlessly interspersing them with light-hearted humor. It acts as a sharp social commentary, a raw slice of life series that unravels the vulnerabilities and strengths of its characters as they grapple with their twenties. The humor sparkles through every episode, underlining moments of tension or difficulty and relieving the inevitable pressure.

Set against the glamorous yet cutthroat backdrop of Hollywood, Twenties creates an aesthetic that's fun, fashionable, and distinctly LA. The soundtrack, filled with an eclectic mix of hip-hop, soul, and R&B, adds an extra layer of richness to the series. From the costume design to the cinematography, it immerses viewers entirely into its world, making the viewing experience just as visually immersive as it is emotionally satisfying.

In summary, Twenties from BET is an authentic exploration of what it’s like to be a young, black, queer woman in Hollywood. Through the journey of Hattie and her friends, the show navigates the tumultuous and thrilling steps of adulthood. With its humorous dialogue, relatable plotlines, and strong character development, Twenties is a refreshing take on the reality of being a twenty-something struggling and thriving in the city of dreams. With every episode, viewers will likely find themselves both laughing their hearts out and deeply empathizing with the stories presented. The series is a testament to the complex, diverse, and resilient spirit of young, black women in today’s world. For anyone seeking a captivating, honest, and entertaining series, Twenties is definitely a show to watch.