After binge-watching the first few episodes of TV Land’s series Younger, I was left with a feeling akin to that of overindulging in greasy diner fare—a nostalgic pang reminiscent of the brunches enjoyed by Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. Here’s the scoop: I genuinely wanted to enjoy the show. Adapted from Pamela Redmond Satran’s popular novel, it features Debi Mazar as the quirky best friend Maggie, alongside Liza, portrayed by Sutton Foster—a 40-year-old mom who pretends to be 26 to snag a job. I was particularly excited to see Mazar, who I had just interviewed for a magazine piece. She had spoken so highly of Darren Star, the mastermind behind Sex and the City, and I was eager to dive in.
Now, for a little honesty: I’m also a woman in her forties with a background in publishing, having transitioned to freelance work after my second child arrived. Recently, I’ve attempted to re-enter the full-time workforce, only to face radio silence from recruiters. It’s frustrating, and I can’t shake the feeling that my extensive experience might be overlooked simply because I haven’t been in the office. So, as I settled in to meet Liza and her circle, I had high expectations.
Unfortunately, what unfolded on screen was disappointing. While Foster is relatable and Mazar brings her A-game, the show’s perspective on age is overly simplistic and, frankly, a bit insulting. Younger characters are depicted as shallow millennials obsessed with online trends—communicating in acronyms and emojis, of course—while those in their forties are shown as clueless about the digital world. I mean, come on! And as for Liza’s boss, Diana, played by Miriam Shor—she’s portrayed as a one-dimensional character rather than a savvy marketing executive who knows the ropes. Why not portray a strong female figure who could challenge Liza, creating a dynamic that resonates with real-life experiences?
Imagine if Liza’s boss was someone sharp who could see through Liza’s ruse. That could have led to some juicy drama, exploring themes like work-life balance in a fast-paced world. And what about Liza’s romantic escapades? Wouldn’t it be refreshing if she told her young love interest, “Hey, I’m actually 40, but I know how to have a good time. Let’s roll”? That scenario would surely resonate with many middle-aged women rooting for her to break the mold.
Ultimately, it’s disappointing that our culture’s obsession with youth has turned into yet another shallow narrative. While we all reminisce about our twenties, it’s essential to remember that those years were a mixed bag—filled with heartbreak, financial struggles, and the uncertainty of dreams. Just like our forties, they come with their own set of challenges.
In summary, Younger feels like a missed opportunity to explore meaningful themes related to age and identity. It could have provided a more nuanced conversation about the complexities of life at different stages, but instead, it falls into the trap of stereotypes.
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