Younger

Younger is a lighthearted and witty TV Land original series that delves into the realms of age, identity, and personal reinvention. The series was aired from 2015 and concluded in 2021. Crafted by Darren Star, well-known as the creator of Sex and the City, the show embodies a similar spirit of female camaraderie, personal relationships and fashion-forward sensibility.

The central plot revolves around Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman who restarts her career in the dynamic and often cutthroat publishing industry following her divorce. But she quickly learns that it's a world biased toward youth, which leaves her struggling to land a job. Dealing with dwindling finances and a daughter studying abroad, Liza is desperate to make drastic changes to sustain herself.

This is when her perceptive best friend Maggie, played by Debi Mazar, offers a game-changing suggestion. As Liza still retains her youthful charm, she could pretend to be a 26-year-old to secure a suitable job. Liza takes this seemingly outrageous advice, and the result propels the series forward.

Taking the plunge into the world of deception, Liza secures an assistant’s job at a reputable publishing firm, Empirical Press. She works under Diana Trout, an imposing yet lovable head of marketing. The rest of the show is a delightful comedy of age deception as Liza navigates the high-energy world of publishing, juggling workplace dynamics, friendships, and romance, all while masking her true age.

Apart from the riveting storyline, one of the undeniable draws of the show is its top-notch cast. Sutton Foster, with her vivacious cockiness and youthful energy, immaculately brings Liza to life. Hilary Duff plays the role of Kelsey Peters, a young and ambitious editor who is also Liza's coworker and eventually best friend.

Through their characters and the ensuing friendships, the show touches on themes of female empowerment and the age-agnostic nature of true friendship. The impeccable chemistry among the cast members creates for funny, occasionally poignant, and endlessly engaging scenes. The character development throughout the series is significant as each character wrestles with their personal and professional issues.

One aspect that sets Younger apart is its sense of realness. It delves into the depth of relationships, the struggles of single parenting and starting over, the pressure to remain forever young, and explores the inevitability of aging. Moreover, the vivid backdrop of New York City adds to the allure of the series.

The series also provides insights into the world of digital media, as it frequently raises issues about the traditional book publishing industry versus digital media. It showcases how these industries have to constantly adapt to stay relevant.

Younger is filled with wit, humor, beautiful moments of friendship, and heartfelt events that exhibit different perspectives on life, love, and the idea of the 'perfect age'. It brings to the fore how age is just a number when it comes to aspirations, dreams, and love. The series not only speaks about the societal perception of age but also challenges it.

With cleverly executed dialogues and an abundance of cultural references, Younger presents a relatable face to the struggles of contemporaneity, especially the anxiety and excitement that comes with reinventing oneself. The dynamic transitions between humorous and serious scenes create a balanced viewing experience, making Younger a delightful and easy watch.

In sum, Younger is a coming-of-age story of sorts, but one that is apropos for viewers of all ages. It explores the relevance and irrelevance of age, all while presenting an entertaining look at the life of a middle-aged woman passing as a millennial. With its relatable characters, gripping narrative, light humor, and heartfelt moments, the show has something for everyone.