I recently caught the first few episodes of TV Land’s series Younger, and I must admit, it left me feeling a bit uneasy—like indulging in a heavy plate of greasy diner food. You know, the kind that Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda used to enjoy during their brunch escapades.
To be upfront, I really wanted to enjoy the show, which is inspired by the novel of the same name by Pamela Redmond Satron. I tuned in particularly for the delightful performance of Mia Lawson, who plays Liza’s best friend, and I was eager to see Sutton Foster portray Liza, a 40-year-old single mother attempting to reinvent herself by pretending to be 26 to secure a job. I had just interviewed Lawson for an article, where she praised the brilliance of Darren Star, the creator of Sex and the City, and shared her insights on navigating mid-life while raising her kids. With my DVR set and optimism in tow, I settled in.
As a fellow forty-something who transitioned to freelance work after my second child, I empathized with Liza’s struggles. I’ve faced similar challenges in the job market, finding it hard to regain footing in publishing despite my dedication and experience. I often wonder if younger professionals see me as out-of-touch simply because I’ve worked primarily from home.
However, as I watched, I found myself disappointed. While Foster is undeniably relatable and Lawson excels in her role, the show’s portrayal of age feels overly simplistic and, frankly, insulting to both younger and older generations. The twenty-somethings are reduced to shallow millennials, obsessed with social media trends and communicating in emojis. On the flip side, the forty-somethings come off as clueless and outdated, making it seem as though they have nothing to offer.
Even Liza’s boss, portrayed as a 43-year-old marketing executive named Vanessa, is depicted as a caricature of incompetence. It’s disheartening when Star misses the opportunity to represent strong, savvy women in their forties who successfully navigate the complexities of the professional world. Instead, we’re left with a one-dimensional character who seems oblivious to the evolving landscape around her.
What if Liza’s journey included authentic interactions with her peers, particularly with Vanessa? Their contrasting choices—one opting for motherhood while the other pursues her career—could open up rich narratives about work-life balance and the societal pressures faced by women today. Imagine the drama if Vanessa discovered Liza’s deception; the tension could lead to engaging plot twists and character growth.
The romantic subplot with Liza’s 26-year-old love interest—a charming tattoo artist—also misses the mark. Wouldn’t it be refreshing for Liza to simply be upfront about her age? Picture her confidently saying, “Hey, I’m 40, but I know what I want. Let’s go!” This would resonate with many middle-aged women, rooting for her to embrace her truth and navigate the complexities of dating at this stage in life.
Ultimately, it’s disappointing to see our culture’s obsession with youth reflected in a show that could have portrayed a more nuanced view of life in your forties. Sure, our twenties were fun, but they were also filled with challenges and uncertainties that we must acknowledge. Much like our current experiences, they were a mixed bag. Unfortunately, Younger represents a #missedopportunity to explore these themes authentically and meaningfully.
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In summary, Younger had the potential to address real-life issues faced by women in their forties, but it falls short by relying on tired stereotypes and superficial narratives.
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