The new Netflix miniseries Adolescence packs a lot into its four episodes. It is, depending on the chapter, a police procedural; a sociological examination of male rage, cyberbullying, and a failing British school system; a psychological thriller; and a tragedy about how in the 21st century, a child’s bedroom can …
Read More »'Degrassi: The Next Generation's' Banned Abortion Episode Changed TV
In 2004, Degrassi: The Next Generation aired what would become their most controversial episode with “Accidents Will Happen,” which premiered in Canada in two parts on January 26 and February 9, 2004. However, the episode would not see the light of day on Degrassi’s U.S. network, The N, for another …
Read More »Netflix Shows How Juul Went Up in Flames
Can I hit your Juul? That billion-dollar question whispered in study halls and hollered at house parties among teens and 20-somethings is explored in Netflix’s new documentary series, Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul. Directed by R.J. Cutler and based on Time reporter Jamie Ducharme’s book Big Vape: …
Read More »'Thirteen' Is Twenty Years Old — But More Powerful Than Ever
On a recent day at the beach, actress Nikki Reed was basking in the California sun when a 15-year-old girl approached her. “I would love to take a picture with you!” the young fan exclaimed. Her interest in Reed, however, had nothing to do with her role as vampire Rosalie …
Read More »'My So-Called Life' and the Coming-Out Scene That Changed TV History
About a week before the finale, the Washington Post ran its own plea to keep the show on the air, with the headline, “A TV Show Worth Saving.” Writer Judy Mann shared her love of the show, which she said offered just as much to her as to her teen …
Read More »'All of Us Are Dead' Remains Netflix's Most Damning Success
Even before Hyosan High becomes ground zero for the world’s zombie outbreak in All of Us Are Dead, its teen inhabitants are struggling to survive. Severe bullying, threats of suicide, wealth inequality and a suffocating pressure to succeed make Hyosan High — and Korean society — a kind of hell. …
Read More »