Grand Army

This was extremely intense and gritty and dark but hit topics that most shows don't, like very poor families, extreme trauma and ptsd, an actual psychopath (leila), gayness in an Indian family, Blackness in public schools, just so much but it also did not feel rushed at all, like most netflix shows, because this show chose one storyline for each main character and actually developed it throughout the entirety of the show. It's honestly only rated this low because it was one season of very few episodes. My friends said this could have been the next degrassi if it got more time, and it was already way better than next class so it kinda sucks it didn't get the seasons it deserved ://

It should be clear that-given the show's controversial topics-it will be subject to harsh criticism, as well as affirming support. Personally, I enjoy narratives that aren't sugar-coated. This is a real and raw look at adolescence from a modern student's point of view. Yes, there may be cliches, but the story overall feels fresh and original. I read a review that attacked the legitimacy and safety of public education. While there are cases that may dignify this opinion, most people don't have the means to attend private institutions. Instead of simply denouncing government run education, fight to improve it. No system is perfect, which is why it will take a cumulative effort to create necessary change. It sounds simplistic, but if this show highlights anything, it's that this generation will lead the charge to change the antiquated and divisive ideals that have plagued this nation since its inception. Stand tall and "FREE THE NIPPLES!"

This isn't your typical drug/alcohol abuse, sex, & violence type of teen drama. It's more than that. It's about identity, hardships, race, etc. This show gave a more real high school experience than Euphoria did...and I love Euphoria. The authenticity and character development is what did it for me. If you don't like "woke" or "political correct" shows then don't watch it. This show is real life and if you want to escape that when watching tv shows then don't watch this because this show really made me reflect on life and I like that. Highly recommend checking it out!

It starts off a little slow but picks up through the episodes. It's a good representation of teenage life, the characters actually look and act their age. The teens also wear real/normal clothes instead of couture or outfits a 25yr old would wear clubbing. The storylines are engaging. Not as gripping or as much drama as say, Euphoria but very relatable ...Teens do drugs, are mean, insecure, have sex, have crushes, have fun, party, are trying to discover themselves and find their place in the world, all the while doing stupid sh** sometimes...that's this show.

Without giving too much away I liked the way consent, impact and agency are explored, its very much real but not often shown this way on screen. We tend to be shown extremes.

Also, this show is not "BLM crap" ignore that review. Not that it should be an issue but BLM barely comes up, it's given about 5 mins of screen time - a subtle subplot that crops up occasionally alongside other storylines, but is by no means dominant or even a storyline I even noticed until trying to understand what the triggered review was about. I'd say in terms of general themes, sex and belonging dominate this show more than anything. This show is contextual, current and has varied storylines. There are a diverse range of characters of varying heritage, developing different subplots. To be honest this is what Brooklyn looks like in 2020. There are white people, black people, brown people, East Asian people, Jewish people, Muslim people, wealthy people and poorer people, and they all have problems. This show has all the diversity without the Disney style cheese, it's as real as it gets for an American high school. Enjoy it for what it is, Teens in Brooklyn growing up in 2020.

Let me start by saying I am probably not the target audience as a non-American woman in her early 30s. I was expecting some mediocre teen drama as Netflix is getting (in)famous for, but this show is a lot better than the average show on this streaming service. Although I am expecting a lot of backlash on this series because it deals with racism and the cast is very diverse, I don't think that's fair.

The characters seem very realistic and the issues that are portrayed seem in touch with what it is like to be a teenager right now. Some topics are handled a bit too superficially, but I guess we can't have it all. Hopefully Netflix gives us a second season to answer some of the questions left after the finale.