POPSUGAR UK

6 Reasons Why Genera+ion Is the Best Show You Might Not Be Watching

18/03/2021 - 09:31 PM

Created by 19-year-old Zelda Barnz, Generation follows the lives of teenagers [1] in Orange County, CA. From having babies in bathrooms and siblings hooking up with the same boy to typical teen angst and a potential teacher/student relationship, nothing is off limits on the show, which premiered on March 11 on HBO Max [2]. Starring Justice Smith as Chester, Nathanya Alexander as Arianna, Lukita Maxwell as Delilah, Haley Sanchez as Greta, Chase Sui Wonders as Riley, and Uly Schlesinger and Chloe East as siblings Nathan and Naomi, each character [3] has their flaws and quirks that make them unique and someone you want to either root for or against. If we haven't sold you on the show just yet, below are six reasons from our editors about why you should give Generation a chance.

It Fills the Euphoria Void

"If you're anxiously waiting for season two of Euphoria [5], then Generation is guaranteed to fill that void. Just like the former, the HBO Max show tells its story by rotating the point of views of its main characters, which also happen to be high school students who are exploring their sexualities and identities. It celebrates diversity, tackles real-life issues head on, and its cast is full of talented young actors. You'll be on the edge of your seat the entire time you're watching." — Monica Sisavat, Editor, Celebrity and Entertainment

Four Words: Justice Smith as Chester

"The 25-year old star of Jurassic World and the gone-too-soon Netflix show The Get Down brings his character Chester to life in a big and bold way. Outside of his queer identity, Chester is also brilliantly sarcastic and empathetic towards the kids around him. While he's down to get into a bit of trouble, Smith's character is overall a beloved focal point of the story so far." — Iyana Robertson, Content Director, Entertainment and Trending

The Mystery of the Baby in the Bathroom

"OK, it feels strange to refer to a teenager giving birth in a mall as a 'mystery,' but that's what it is! At the beginning of each episode, we see more and more of an unfolding situation happening a few weeks ahead of the series' main events. One of the characters is having a baby . . . in a bathroom. (Yes, they do acknowledge the existence of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant.) Who is the mother? Who is the father? What the f*ck is happening? I will keep watching just to find out." — Maggie Panos, Senior Editor, Voices

A Darker-Skinned Black Girl Has a Lead Role

"This is honestly just shade to Netflix's affinity to cast light-skinned, biracial Black actresses." — Iyana Robertson, Content Director, Entertainment and Trending

Each Episode Will Make You Want More

"Nothing is worse than starting a show and having to quit watching it halfway through a season because it's become boring. Generation is one of the most ridiculous shows I think I've ever seen, and that's a good thing. The narrative jumps around, yet somehow everything makes sense and you just want every storyline to be resolved immediately. After binge-watching the first three episodes, I was disappointed to find out it drops weekly. At least now I have something to look forward to, and you will too if you check it out. Seriously, the storylines are so outlandish they HAVE to be based in fact." — Grayson Gilcrease, Assistant Editor, Celebrity and Entertainment

Not Only Is the Cast Diverse, the Stories Are Too

"While many teen dramas are presenting a group of characters who are diverse in race and ethnicity, Generation is putting forth a true mix of heterogeneous experiences. A queer Latina student whose mother has been deported, a queer Black student, a bisexual white student, and a heterosexual Black student with gay parents are all included in the leading cast." — Iyana Robertson, Content Director, Entertainment and Trending


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https://www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/generation-tv-show-hbo-max-review-48226275