There is an abundance of coming-of-age shows on Netflix, but somewhere among the familiar high-school dramas and teenage romances, there lies a two-season hidden gem that deserves more attention.
Coming-of-age shows can primarily be divided into two major categories: the ones that merely chronicle adolescence and the ones that truly capture it. Shows belonging to the former are fun, but rarely leave their mark. In contrast, the ones from the latter, like Sex Education and Skins, prove to be so relatable that it is hard not to see a part of your younger self in every character they portray.
Belonging to the latter category, Netflix has a hidden coming-of-age masterpiece that only lasts for two seasons. However, in two installments itself, it walks through everything from the perils to the joys of growing up.
Love 101 Is A Hidden Coming-Of-Age Gem On Netflix
Love 101, or Aşk 101 in Turkish, is a teenage drama that has an audience score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Since it is a Turkish series, it does not boast a high production value or the glossy visual polish seen in shows like Euphoria. However, with its relatable and deeply emotional character beats, it promises to stay with viewers long after its credits stop rolling.
Through its diverse set of characters, Love 101 takes an unflinching look at the struggles of adolescence. Each of its young characters is portrayed as a misfit who refuses to succumb to the pressure to conform and tries to hold on to things that make them different. Unfortunately, their desire for freedom and acceptance in a judgmental world comes at a terrible cost.
The show’s original Netflix trailer hardly does justice to how good it is, but you can check it out below:
Since Love 101 hails from a relatively more conservative nation, it is forced to hold back from pushing the envelope too far. Despite these limitations, though, the show does not shy away from dabbling with powerful themes surrounding mental health, alcoholism, and abandonment.
What elevates it above most teen dramas on Netflix is that it also avoids sensationalizing the teenage experience and ensures its narrative remains grounded and relatable. All in all, there is something for everyone in Love 101 because, with each character’s story, it draws on a childhood experience or issue that feels universal.
If You Love Skins, Sex Education, & Euphoria, You Must Watch Love 101 On Netflix
Love 101 also includes many Western background scores, including Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” which gives it a more nostalgic and universally appealing tone. It may not be as gritty and raw asSkins and Euphoria, but the performances of its cast members and their well-written story beats make it seem realistic.
In more ways than one, Love 101 is reminiscent of Skins and Sex Education, in particular, because it almost makes one forget they are watching a show, allowing them to see it as a reflection of their own formative years. Unlike Skins, though, Netflix‘s Love 101 is more sweet than bitter and leaves viewers feeling hopeful and uplifted.
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