Grown-ish

Premise: A spin-off of the acclaimed series “Black-ish,” “Grown-ish” follows the life of Zoey Johnson as she transitions from her family home to her freshman year at Cal U, a fictional California university. The series delves into the trials, tribulations, and excitement of college life, capturing the various challenges students face, from academic pressures to relationships, identity struggles, and more.

Main Characters:

1. Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) – The central character and the eldest Johnson sibling, Zoey is a stylish and confident young woman navigating college life.
2. Aaron Jackson (Trevor Jackson) – A passionate student activist on campus, he often crosses paths with Zoey.
3. Ana Torres (Francia Raisa) – Zoey’s conservative Christian roommate who often has contrasting views but shares a deep bond with Zoey.
4. Nomi Segal (Emily Arlook) – Zoey’s friend who is exploring her sexuality and identity.
5. Skyler and Jazz Forster (Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey) – Twin track stars who are also Zoey’s friends and offer comic relief with their sibling dynamic.

Themes: “Grown-ish” provides a raw exploration of young adulthood, emphasizing topics like identity, sexuality, racial dynamics, academic pressures, substance abuse, and relationships. It serves as a mirror to the Gen Z experience, articulating the complexities and nuances of college life in modern America.

Rating: 4/5 “Grown-ish” received praise for its genuine portrayal of college life and for tackling relevant and diverse topics. Yara Shahidi’s performance was particularly appreciated. However, some critics felt that certain storylines could be better developed or that the show occasionally leaned into clichés. Nevertheless, its engagement with critical social issues earned it commendation.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-14. “Grown-ish” explores mature themes appropriate for teenagers but may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its discussions of sex, relationships, and other adult-oriented topics.

Broadcast Details: The series premiered on Freeform and has been airing since 2018.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed “Grown-ish,” you might like:

1. “Dear White People” – A series that addresses racial dynamics on a college campus.
2. “The Bold Type” – About three young women working at a New York City magazine.
3. “Black-ish” – The original series from which “Grown-ish” was spun-off, focusing on the Johnson family.
4. “Insecure” – Explores the life of a young African-American woman and her varied relationships.
5. “Boomerang” – A series adaptation of the film, delving into young adult relationships and careers.