When Darren Stars show younger began filming in 2014 the star Sutton Foster was 40 the exact age of her character Liza Miller.
The premise of the show is an interesting one even in 2026. A 40 year old women pretending to be 26 to take an entry level job as an assistant at a New York publishing company working for a burned out workaholic Diana Trout 43, it’s hard not to see the similarities between Miranda Priestly (Devil Wears Prada) except the tragic characterization of women who sacrifice relationships and kids is a little stereotypical and I think more could have been developed with her character beyond chasing the only single eligible straight divorce in the office who fancies assistant Liza more. Let’s not forget he thinks she’s only twenty six.
I’ve watched 9 episodes of series one, I am pretty sure I know where it’s going already. And yet I discover the show got seven series in total
the last one airing as late as 2021 in the US.
Not sure how they managed to drag it out but maybe the characters will grow on me.
At the moment I can see how Star has attempted to recreate his mega success with HBO Darren Star productions hit Sex and The City. Same location, same women in the workplace themes, same friendship posse of women, Sutton supported by big names like Debi Mazar and Hilary Duff. Mazar playing artist and “oldest friend” and Duff co worker and junior editor.
Kelsey Peters (Hilary Duff): An ambitious young book editor at Empirical Press who becomes Liza's work best friend and eventual business partner.
Maggie Amato (Debi Mazar): Liza's loyal, outspoken artist roommate in Brooklyn who gives her the makeover to look 26 and helps keep her real age a secret.
Although Duff was only 27 when filming began to Mazar’s 50, she looks a lot older which challenges the credibility of the story.
It’s been a late bloomer, whilst it enjoyed modest ratings in the US although it did help to rebrand TV Land network known for airing sitcom reruns.
Because it aired on a smaller cable channel, many US viewers missed Younger during its original run. When all seven seasons arrived on Netflix in the US in January 2025, the show exploded in popularity and experienced a massive Netflix boom.
Apparently it’s become a cult phenomenon not sure who with. For me it’s definitely targeted at a female audience. Maybe 20 somethings not looking for anything more than zone out TV.
It’s the type of series you can certainly zone out to. You’ll watch it and then not worry if you never watch again. I’d say the first season is predictable, billed as a comedy, with some massive guest star names like Jane Krakowski (Ally McBeal) and Kathy Najimy (Sister Active).
For me even the heavy hitting talent couldn’t out act the less than meaty scripts.
And if you are hoping for a stylish follow up to Carrie Bradshaw and friends and watching for the fashion, NYC glamour and steamy sexy relationship content you’ll likely be disappointed. This is more Gilmore Girls than Sex and The City. Actually Gilmore Girls was cute and pumpkin pie wholesome, this is more struggling to be plausible with a few funny bits thrown in.
I just couldn’t buy a 40 something female hanging with a 20 something Adonis, in a shared apartment playing dodgeball and video games however hot he may be. Nico Tortorella as Josh, Liza’s love interest throughout all 7 seasons does certainly provide the eye candy.