Watch Genera+ion

Genera+ion is a highly anticipated teenage drama streaming exclusively on HBO Max, revolving around the lives of high school students in Oceanside, California. Premiered on March 11th, 2021, the show has quickly become a fan favorite for its unfiltered, raw portrayal of the modern generation's issues.

The show follows a diverse group of students and their families through various challenges and struggles they face in their personal, social, and sexual lives. Through 16 episodes, the show explores issues such as racism, body shaming, bullying, sexuality, gender identity, and mental health, among others.

One of the USP of Genera+ion is its intersectional approach towards storytelling. The series features a predominantly young cast of talented actors, with most of them making their professional debut, making it a true Gen-Z show. The representation of BIPOC, LGBTQ, gender-nonconforming, and differently-abled characters in the narrative is nuanced and refreshing.

The lead characters, Chester (Justice Smith), Riley (Chase Sui Wonders), and Greta (Haley Sanchez), drive the main narrative, with each episode providing insight into their personalities and struggles. Chester, a Black student, grapples with the traumatic loss of his younger brother and his emotional health. He forms a close bond with Nathan (Uly Schlesinger), a white, gay student, who is often misunderstood by his conservative family. Riley, a Chinese-American student, is coming to terms with her queer identity and navigating her feelings for her best friend, Naomi (Chloe East), who is also coming out as bisexual.

The show features several adult characters played by industry veterans such as Martha Plimpton, Amber Lui, and Lukas Gage, who add a sense of perspective and wisdom to their young co-stars. The parental dynamics shown in the series are engaging, with each family having a unique story to tell. The show explores the parents' unconventional methods to help their children, as they navigate through their daily struggles.

Genera+ion also stands out with its brilliant use of music that adds a unique texture to the story. The soundtrack features songs from well-known artists such as Doja Cat, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Frank Ocean, among others.

The show embraces a fluid approach to gender and sexuality, with characters comfortably exploring and expressing their identities. It challenges traditional norms and stigma surrounding conversations about sex, consent, and masculinity. The depiction of queer love, intimacy, and romance is refreshing and offers an alternative spectrum of storytelling.

Although the show is entertaining with its witty dialogue and comic relief, it does not shy away from depicting darker subjects. The characters experience trauma, face discrimination, and deal with complex emotions. The show's depiction of mental illness is a standout, with each character's struggle unique, and their experiences never feel trivialized.

Genera+ion is a bold and essential addition to the teenage-drama genre, given its reflection on the realities faced by youth today. The show offers a captivating portrayal of the good, the bad, and the messy, that comes with adolescent experiences. The series is a must-watch for audiences who appreciate nuanced storytelling, unconventional characters, and unique perspectives.

Genera+ion is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between March 11, 2021 and on HBO Max