As income inequality soars to alarming levels, a wave of intelligent, determined women who once stepped back from their careers are now eager to dive back in. In this evolving landscape, creator Max Sterling is also reimagining his vision. He’s adapting the novel Younger by Pamela Redmond Satran, featuring Broadway starlet Emily Hart as Lila, a forty-something single mom struggling to find work. With the encouragement of her friend, Clara (played by Tessa Lane), Lila reinvents herself as a 26-year-old to snag a position as an assistant at a publishing company.
I recently met with Sterling on the Younger set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where the skyline of Manhattan served as a picturesque backdrop, to discuss his new series debuting on TV Land this January.
Younger: A Relevant Story
Your projects have a knack for capturing the cultural moment. Why is this show important right now?
Sterling: I discovered Younger several years ago and was drawn to its premise: a woman who takes a 12-year break from work to raise her kids and finds herself struggling to re-enter the job market, feeling invisible and unworthy. When I first read it, it didn’t feel like the right moment for this story. But as time has passed, the generational divide has grown more pronounced, especially with the 20-somethings disrupting traditional career paths. These young adults possess skills that older generations might lack, particularly in social media and technology.
It’s even tougher for a woman in her 40s trying to get back into the workforce. The fact that she needs to pretend to be a 20-something to find a job resonates with many. It highlights her feeling like a fish out of water in a world dominated by millennials.
Navigating Social Media
Do you find yourself trying to keep up with social media?
Absolutely. Part of why I’m writing this show is that I can relate to that struggle. Crafting this narrative allows me to learn alongside the character.
Are you active on social media?
I’m not. I’ve tried Facebook but it didn’t hold my interest. I prefer letting my work speak for itself rather than sharing daily thoughts or engaging with a “fan base.” It’s probably a generational thing for me; I don’t feel the need to be constantly connected.
Yet, social media is clearly a game changer. It allows younger individuals to gain visibility in ways that weren’t possible before.
Exactly. While I keep an eye on it, I don’t feel my personal musings are captivating enough to tweet about daily.
Casting Choices
Let’s talk about Emily Hart. Why was she your first pick for this role?
I’ve admired her for years. I first saw her in The Daring Adventure, which was her breakout role before she won numerous awards. She has this undeniable quality that makes you root for her while keeping things authentic. She’s 40 but can easily pass as 26, which is essential for this character. Choosing the right actor was crucial for the show’s success.
Was she always your top choice?
She was definitely on my radar from the start. The challenge was convincing the network of her suitability since they weren’t as familiar with her work. She’s well-known in certain circles, but not broadly recognized, which I think works to our advantage; the audience won’t have preconceived notions about her age.
Relevance in Hollywood
Given your successful career in television, how do you stay relevant in an industry that often overlooks older talent?
I can relate to Lila’s journey of trying to remain relevant in her field. The beauty of being a writer is that your only limitations are those you impose on yourself. While the industry can be tough on older talent, it rewards those who keep creating. Taking a long break can make re-entering the workforce difficult, but it’s not impossible.
That challenge is often more pronounced for women who take time off to raise children. Many, like Lila, find it hard to return to work.
Absolutely. I know numerous women who have paused their careers for family and are now eager to jump back in, only to find it’s not as straightforward as they hoped.
What advice would you give them?
I empathize with your struggle. You’re just as capable and intelligent as those who didn’t take a break, yet society often judges you based on your age and the gap in your resume.
Cultural Reflections
So, how would you define our culture today?
That’s a tough question! Defining culture is about creating and engaging with what resonates in the current era. It’s only in hindsight that we can see the full picture of what defined our time.
Your previous works have chronicled cultural shifts, from Beverly Hills 90210 to Sex and the City. How do you tap into those cultural nuances?
I aim to share stories that reflect my experiences and the world as I see it. They’re meant to entertain while shedding light on contemporary issues.
Speaking of contemporary issues, Lila takes a lower-paying assistant role, likely earning around $28,000. Is that a reflection of the reality many face?
Yes, Lila is not making much, but this job is crucial for her sense of self-worth. It’s about more than money; it’s about feeling relevant. While her approach might be questionable, audiences tend to sympathize with her motives.
Will the audience ever learn Lila’s true age, or is that a secret that only a select few will know?
You’ll have to keep watching to find out.
Conclusion
In summary, Younger explores the challenges faced by women trying to return to the workforce after taking time off, emphasizing the generational divide and the impact of social media. As Lila navigates her new role, the series reflects broader societal themes, making it both relatable and timely.