Listen / Read / Watch - #2 Everything Sucks!

I did it! I finally reached the age where MY childhood is now grounds for a 'retro' coming-of-age television show.

This week's Listen / Read / Watch continues with another easy binge watch on Netflix about a group of young outsiders experiencing life, love and the making of an alien invasion movie.

'Everything Sucks!' is set in Boring, Oregon and centers around the members of the A/V and Drama clubs. Despite inevitable comparisons to 'Stranger Things' initially, this show is anything but. It's a 23-minute dramedy with lots of punchlines and a bitchin' 90s soundtrack. Not to mention lots of fun product placements that you'll remember. SURGE!

(borrowed from retrojunk)

But seriously, 'Everything Sucks!' has a lot of heart. Despite the things the average teenager is melodramatic about (dating, getting the lead in the school play, a bad grade, etc.), this show covers a lot of important topics. The character of Kate (who will remind you of a young Julia Stiles) has a storyline with a lot of depth. Not only does she grapple with being the principal's daughter, but she lost her mother years before and it's shaped the person who she has become, as well as her insecurities. Most significantly, Kate is coming to terms with her sexuality and learning to embrace who she is. And who doesn't need a reminder to love themselves - teenage girl or not.

'Everything Sucks!' is a Netflix original series, streaming now. Enjoy!