Watch Premature

Premature is a coming-of-age comedy-drama series created by Zora Howard and Rashaad Ernesto Green. The show premiered on Cinemax in 2015 and ran for one season consisting of ten episodes. The show is set in New York City and follows the life of Ayanna (Zora Howard), a high school senior with a bright future ahead of her, until she falls in love with a charming young musician named Isaiah (Joshua Boone).

The show begins with Ayanna and her best friend, Fancy (Michelle Wilson), trying to navigate the challenges of being young and Black in New York City. Ayanna is a talented writer who has been accepted to a prestigious college in the fall. She is determined to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way and make her family proud. However, things take a turn when she meets Isaiah at a party. Despite having a girlfriend, Isaiah is immediately drawn to Ayanna and the two begin a secret relationship.

As the relationship progresses, Ayanna's life becomes increasingly complicated. She struggles to balance her schoolwork with her newfound love and the challenges that come with it, such as hiding her relationship from her family and dealing with Isaiah's jealous girlfriend. Additionally, Ayanna is dealing with personal issues of her own, such as her complicated relationship with her mother (played by Robinne Lee) and her own insecurities about her future.

One of the central themes of the show is the idea of premature adulthood. Ayanna is faced with adult decisions and responsibilities at a young age, such as choosing whether to pursue her dreams or stay with Isaiah. Her experiences with love, heartbreak, and betrayal force her to grow up quickly and navigate the complexities of adulthood earlier than she had planned.

The show's writing and performances are praised for their authenticity and honesty. The characters feel like real people with real problems, and the relationships between them are nuanced and complicated. Ayanna is a relatable protagonist who is trying to do what is best for herself and the people she loves, even when it isn't easy. The supporting characters, such as Fancy and Isaiah, also have their own compelling storylines that add depth to the show.

In addition to its poignant storytelling, Premature is also visually stunning. The cinematography is beautiful and captures the energy and vibrancy of New York City. The show also features a killer soundtrack, with original music composed by Chris Weisman and Imani Uzuri.

Premature may have only aired for one season, but it left a lasting impact on its viewers. The show's exploration of love, identity, and adulthood resonated with young audiences and received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of Black teenage life. While the show may have been short-lived, its impact continues to be felt within the industry and among its fans.