The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 1 Story:-
Whenever I tune into a new TV series supposedly centered around high school life but featuring actors in their thirties dealing with twentysomething problems, I can’t help but wonder why there aren’t more shows set in college. College provides a contained environment that can accommodate a diverse cast of characters, whether sprawling or tightly knit. While high school experiences may be more widely relatable, college offers similarly intense experiences with the added narrative benefit of characters living in close proximity as they navigate it all. Yet, college-themed shows are few and far between, overshadowed by a plethora of high school dramas, comedies, and dramedies fretting over lunch tables and prom dates.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 19 July 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Creator | Mindy Kaling, Justin Noble |
| Cast | Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Gavin Leatherwood, Chris Meyer, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Renika Williams, Lolo Spencer, Midori Francis, Mitchell Slaggert |
| Director | David Gordon Green, Zoe Cassavetes, Kabir Akhtar, Rachel Raimist, Meredith Dawson, Lila Neugebauer, Maggie Carey, Liza Johnson |
| Writer | Mindy Kaling, Justin Noble, Ali Liebegott, Caroline Goldfarb, Rupinder Gill, Charlie Grandy, Beth Appel, Matt Warburton, Sheridan Watson, Vanessa Baden, Vanessa Baden Kelly, Kristen Zublin |
| Cinematography | Rick Page, Chuck Ozeas |
| Music | Joseph Stephens |
| Producer | Mindy Kaling, Justin Noble, Howard Klein, Charlie Grandy, Matt Warburton, David Gordon Green |
| Production | 3 Arts Entertainment, Kaling International, Warner Bros. Television |
| Certificate | 18+ |
That’s where “The Sex Lives of College Girls” comes in. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, this HBO Max series is a refreshing addition to the teen genre, following in the footsteps of “Genera+ion” and “Gossip Girl.” It’s the first to delve into the unique transition to adulthood that college represents. Set at the fictional Essex College, a quintessential New England liberal arts institution, the comedy revolves around four roommates navigating the realities of campus life. The main quartet includes Whitney, the laid-back jock; Leighton, the cynical New Yorker; Bela, the aspiring comedian; and Kimberly, the earnest and determined newcomer. Their mismatched dynamic mirrors the randomness of freshman room assignments and contributes to the show’s authenticity. Moreover, the chemistry among the actors is palpable, capturing the fast intimacy typical of early college friendships.
In the initial episodes (five were provided for review, with a total of 10 in the season), “The Sex Lives of College Girls” lives up to its title by exploring the romantic and sexual escapades of its characters. Kimberly grapples with heartbreak from her high school relationship but quickly rebounds. Bela, portrayed by the standout Amrit Kaur, enthusiastically pursues college romance. Meanwhile, Leighton, played by Renée Rapp, balances her affluent facade with clandestine explorations of her sexuality through a dating app. Unlike shows like “Sex Education,” which delve into the complexities of sexuality, these characters approach sex with confidence and curiosity, viewing it as a natural part of their college experience that adds excitement to their lives.
Overall, “The Sex Lives of College Girls” offers a fresh perspective on the college experience, presenting relatable characters navigating the joys and challenges of newfound independence and adulthood. With its witty humor, engaging performances, and candid exploration of sexuality, it’s a welcome addition to the teen TV landscape, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of college life.
The blend of R-rated humor, steamy sexual escapades, and heartwarming friendships that typically characterizes “The Sex Lives of College Girls” resonates well with characters like Leighton, Bela, and Kimberly. However, the series falls short in its portrayal of Whitney, whose storyline revolves around a toxic relationship with her married soccer coach, Dalton. Throughout the first five episodes, the show acknowledges that Whitney’s romantic entanglement is far from the forbidden love fantasy she imagines, as Dalton is portrayed as a dull and uninteresting character. Yet, the series fails to offer any fresh insights into this tired teen show trope, leaving Whitney’s storyline feeling uninspired and unnecessary. It’s disappointing to see Whitney and the actress who plays her, Alyah Chanelle Scott, get overshadowed by this lackluster plotline when they have more compelling stories to explore outside of it.
Whitney is not the only character whose potential is sidelined by their romantic entanglements. While Kimberly’s flirtation with Leighton’s brother Nico is cute, the more intriguing aspect of her character lies in her struggles to fit in at Essex College as a scholarship student surrounded by wealthy legacy students. This narrative effectively addresses class divide issues often overlooked in high school dramas like “Gossip Girl.” Similarly, Bela’s efforts to gain recognition from the prestigious comedy magazine at the school, despite facing obstacles due to her race and gender, offer a nuanced exploration of the challenges women in comedy face. Additionally, Leighton’s reluctance to come out publicly as gay stems from a fear of being labeled and pigeonholed for the rest of her life, adding depth to her character. Each of these plotlines is anchored in the college setting and contributes to the narrative tension of the show, complemented by strong performances from the cast. Ultimately, it’s the compelling and messy characters like these that drive the success of any show, regardless of its setting.
Contrary to the belief that college dramas lack drama, as suggested by Slate twenty years ago, “The Sex Lives of College Girls” demonstrates that there is plenty of dramatic potential in college life. From roommate conflicts to struggles with identity and belonging, college presents a wealth of storytelling opportunities that the series effectively explores. While the show may stumble at times, it ultimately proves that there are myriad ways to tell engaging college stories, especially when anchored by complex and relatable characters.
The first three episodes of “The Sex Lives of College Girls” premieres Thursday, Nov. 18, on HBO Max.
