After viewing the initial three episodes of TV Land’s new series Younger, I was left with an uneasy feeling, akin to the aftermath of indulging in too much greasy diner fare—the kind that Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda would relish during their brunch outings.
To be transparent, I entered this show with enthusiasm, especially given that it’s based on a well-regarded novel by Pamela Redmond Satron. I tuned in primarily for the delightful Debi Mazar, who portrays Liza’s best friend, Maggie. Liza, played by Sutton Foster, is a 40-year-old single mother who pretends to be 26 to secure a job. I had just interviewed Mazar, who spoke passionately about the brilliance of Darren Star (the mastermind behind Sex and the City), praised the cast, and shared her insights on the challenges of mid-life while raising her daughters. Mazar’s vibrant personality is infectious, and I admire her bold portrayal of Shauna.
So, I set my DVR with high expectations.
Now, another confession: Like Foster’s character, I’m a forty-something publishing professional who transitioned to freelancing nearly eight years ago after the birth of my second child. Leaving the bustling city for the suburbs, I find myself struggling to re-enter the full-time workforce. Recruiters seem to overlook my experience; no one returns my calls or emails. Is it because I shifted my work from an office to home? Do younger applicants feel threatened? I can’t help but wonder. While I may not share Liza’s newly single status, her journey resonates deeply, and the underlying message is stark: Times have changed, and the job market can be unforgiving.
Settling in to explore Liza and her cohorts, I was disappointed. It’s not that Foster isn’t relatable—she absolutely is—or that Mazar doesn’t shine in her role—she undeniably does. What ultimately disheartens me is the show’s overly simplistic and cynical portrayal of age, which feels dismissive to both millennials and those of us in our forties.
Younger depicts the younger generation as shallow millennials, fixated solely on what’s trending online and communicating through emojis, while the older characters, particularly Liza’s 43-year-old boss Diana, played by Miranda Shaw, are portrayed as clueless about the digital landscape. This is not only a gross stereotype but a disservice to the savvy women I know in publishing who expertly navigate the industry.
Darren Star falters here; Liza could have initially passed for younger, but her real challenge should be a peer relationship with Diana. Their contrasting choices—one woman stepping back while the other leans in—could have opened discussions on the mommy wars versus the choice to remain childless, and the quest for work-life balance in an ever-evolving world. If Diana were a more nuanced character, perhaps she would uncover Liza’s deception, leading to engaging drama about loyalty and secrets.
Furthermore, the romantic scenes featuring Liza’s 26-year-old love interest—a tattoo artist with the looks to charm any woman—could have been more compelling if approached honestly. Imagine Liza saying, “Hey, I need to share something: I’m actually 40. You’re charming, and old enough. Let’s go for it.” This would resonate with many middle-aged viewers rooting for an authentic narrative, curious about whether she might eventually break his heart.
It saddens me that our culture’s obsession with youth has turned into a hollow nostalgia, encouraging audiences to cheer for Liza to relive her twenties, even as younger women around her are depicted as shallow and submissive. Many of us, perched in our forties, cherish our twenties, yet we must remember those years were fraught with challenges, heartbreaks, and uncertainties—just like our current decade.
Let’s be real. Our twenties were a mixed bag—just like our forties are. And in this light, Younger represents a #missedopportunity.
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In summary, Younger, while it has the potential for rich storytelling, falls short by reinforcing stereotypes and failing to provide a more nuanced perspective on age, ambition, and relationships.
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