PEN15

This is such an odd series but I have to say "truthful" and due to that -- hysterical. Personally I was kind of put off by the first couple of episodes but after a while you will be drawn in. For me this was even more on the nose as my long time best middle school and high school friend was Korean and I think most modern shows might not think of that dynamic with girls.

The show is unique in that they have thirtysomething year old women playing their 7th grade selves along with real life 13 year olds. To my shock, it works well. I suspect they did so because no modern little kid could really capture the creators of this show at 12. Also, some of the plots are very grown up and that might not be fully available to real kids.

Definitely worth watching.

I must say that the fact the main actresses were in their 30s while the the rest of the cast was their own age (kids being kids, adults being adults) was a little distracting but it wears off after a couple of episodes.

After seeing every episode I understand why they casted 2 adults to play the role of two 13 years old. It's heavy, it portrays real-life lessons and struggles mainly for girls but it shades a light on boys difficulties as well.

Overall, it's a very good show. Mayas' impersonation of Jim Carreys' Ace Ventura was so relatable, I used to do the same eheh The show also made me appreciate the fact that I was able to grow up without this addiction to smartphones and the internet in general, life wasn't easier but it was much more appreciated :)

Finally, just wanted to say I really liked the script and the educational part is very important and one of the reasons I think everyone should see it.

What you think would be absurd and ridiculous, 31 year olds playing 13 year olds is so brilliantly executed, it's one of the most creative poignant and hilarious TV shows to date.

These people criticizing this and saying it is sexualizing kids are out of their minds and paranoid. You must have had a strange middle school and puberty. I grew up in the 80s and this shows the awkwardness and raging hormones that I experienced. And if you are saying it is sexualizing kids then I don't think you've watched it at all. You probably read something and regurgitated the propoganda. It's funny and an accurate depiction, of course exaggerated. Lighten up!

No, I am not a bot or getting paid for my review as some users are claiming. I feel like the people who gave this show a low rating just do not understand it. The fact that the stars are in their 30s playing 7th graders is part of the humor.

I am the same age as the actresses, so I was in 7th grade in 2000. For me, this show was so relatable. So many of the conversations and events in this show happened to me at that age. My best friend and I were so much like Anna and Maya. Add in the music, clothes, cars, and slang and I was sent on a nostalgia trip. This was wonderfully done. I'm sorry that some people did not understand it.