My 90's Heart Beats for "Everything Sucks"

I somehow stumbled into the inevitable Netflix hole of binging a show I didn't even know existed. I was born in 95...so I was a 90's baby and I feel like I was able to soak up all the 90's nostalgia during that time because of my parents. My parents had me young, which I wouldn't change for the world, and they gave me the best taste in music, tv shows, and video games! Everything Suck gave me all the 90's feels.

When I saw Everything Sucks on Netflix, I wasn't really looking for anything in particular and figured it would just be a show that I play in the background. It was anything but.....I LOVE IT!! I loved it after episode one! I will say that I think I enjoyed it because it kind of gives me Freaks and Geeks vibes. Which, if you've never seen Freaks and Geeks, GO NOW!

VHS Tapes and Freshman Year

The show follows 3 boys who have just started their 1st year of high school. Puberty is starting to set in and they are doing their best to navigate the treacherous waters of teendom. We meet Luke first, a teen being raised by a single mother. He jumps quickly into joining AV club, which we later find out is a passion that stems from his father. Oh, and did I mention the show takes place in Boring, Oregon at Boring High School? Clayton would tell you that he went to "Boring" High School. Like any other high school sitcom, Luke falls head over heels for a girl he meets in AV Club, Kate Messner. Unbeknownst to him, she is the daughter of the high school's principal. And Unbeknownst to both of them, Kate is gay. She discovers this early in the show, but she can't bring herself to admit it out loud.

And before I continue, I want to say that I think it's great that Netflix is showcasing a young girls struggle to explore her sexuality and comes to terms with it during her high school years. I hope that it shows those exploring their sexuality that it's okay to struggle and it's okay to be who you are! I also hope that it shows those that don't understand the struggles of the LGBTQ community, a little of what it's like to be confused and scared of the thoughts and feelings they are having.

Luke and Kate become the stars of the show and we get tangled in their relationship and very interesting backstories. The actors themselves make the characters much more intriguing. Jahi Di’Allo Winston, who plays luke, is funny, charismatic, and several episodes in, gives a bit of a haunting performance when faced with feelings he has yet to come to terms with. Peyton Kennedy, playing Kate, always seems to have this impending self-doubt, which makes you care for her even more.

Drama Club VS AV Club

Of course, there are lots of other characters that help tell the story of our main characters. The Drama club king and queen, Tyler and Emiline, are as dramatic off stage as they are on stage. I actually enjoyed their ridiculous scenes in the middle of the cafeteria. It's a nice break in between the normal high school banter. They are over the top, but it's pretty funny. The drama group has a clash with the AV club and thus unfolds the rest of the series. I've already said a lot, so I don't want to give too much away. I will say, it's a very interesting story and at the very least you should watch it to see the progression of Kate Messner.

Give It A Try

If you've ever seen Freaks and Geeks or like coming of age stories, add this to your list! I ended up finishing this in about a week, and had it not been for my everyday responsibilities, I would've finished it much sooner. This doesn't rank as high as Stranger Things or even Peaky Blinders, but it's one that I would 100% suggest. So if you add it to your list and finish it soon, let me know what you think!

If you have any Netflix Recommendations or shows you want me to write about, leave them below!!