If the whimsical charm and romantic escapades of Emily in Paris have left you craving more light-hearted, fashionable drama, Netflix has quietly delivered the perfect antidote: Younger, a glossy seven-season series that’s rapidly becoming a binge obsession for a new generation of viewers. Created by Darren Star—the mastermind behind iconic hits like Sex and the City and Emily in Paris—this clever comedy-drama originally aired from 2015 to 2021 but found a massive resurgence upon landing on the streaming platform in early 2025. With its snackable 20-30 minute episodes, star-studded cast led by Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff, and a blend of workplace intrigue, age-defying secrets, and irresistible love triangles, Younger offers pure escapism wrapped in New York’s glittering publishing world. It’s the kind of show that hooks you with its wit and heart, turning casual viewers into devoted fans who can’t believe they slept on it for so long.
At the center of the story is Liza Miller, a 40-something recently divorced single mother from New Jersey, brilliantly portrayed by Sutton Foster. After years of prioritizing her family, Liza finds herself re-entering the workforce only to face brutal ageism in the youth-obsessed publishing industry. Desperate for a fresh start, she gets a makeover from her bold best friend Maggie (Debi Mazar) and decides to pass herself off as a 26-year-old millennial. This audacious lie lands her an assistant job at Empirical Press, a prestigious publishing house, where she quickly proves her talent and passion for books far outweigh her fabricated age. What follows is a delightful web of deception as Liza navigates her double life—balancing her real responsibilities as a mom to her college-aged daughter with the vibrant, impulsive world of her younger colleagues.
Sutton Foster’s performance as Liza is the show’s shining beacon, bringing Broadway-honed charisma, vulnerability, and impeccable comic timing to the role. Foster, known for her Tony-winning stage work, effortlessly captures Liza’s wide-eyed enthusiasm masking inner turmoil, making her reinvention both hilarious and deeply relatable. Her chemistry with the ensemble drives the series’ emotional core, turning what could be a gimmicky premise into a nuanced exploration of identity, ambition, and second chances.
Hilary Duff shines as Kelsey Peters, Liza’s ambitious, savvy co-worker who becomes her closest friend and confidante at Empirical. Duff, evolving from her Disney roots into a mature, nuanced actress, infuses Kelsey with fiery determination and vulnerability. As a young editor climbing the ranks, Kelsey represents the millennial hustle—dealing with trendy authors, social media savvy, and complicated romances—while forming an unlikely but profound bond with Liza. Their friendship is the heart of the show: supportive, messy, and fiercely loyal, providing endless moments of girl-power camaraderie amid the chaos.
The supporting cast is a treasure trove of talent that elevates every scene. Debi Mazar is a standout as Maggie, Liza’s sassy, artistic best friend and roommate, delivering razor-sharp one-liners and unwavering loyalty with her signature Brooklyn edge. Miriam Shor steals scenes as Diana Trout, the no-nonsense marketing head at Empirical, whose tough exterior hides a warm, quirky heart—Shor’s deadpan delivery yields some of the show’s biggest laughs. Nico Tortorella plays Josh, a tattooed young artist who becomes Liza’s passionate love interest, bringing tattooed charm and genuine sweetness to their age-gap romance. Peter Hermann portrays Charles Brooks, the sophisticated publishing boss whose slow-burn connection with Liza creates one of the series’ most compelling love triangles. Rounding out the ensemble are Molly Bernard as bubbly assistant Lauren and a parade of guest stars that add extra sparkle.
Darren Star’s signature style permeates every episode: glamorous New York settings, fabulous fashion, witty banter, and unapologetic romance. Like Sex and the City, it celebrates female friendships and empowerment, but with a modern twist on generational clashes and digital-age dilemmas. Compared to Emily in Paris, Younger feels more grounded yet equally aspirational—swapping Parisian croissants for Manhattan brunches, workplace drama for marketing mishaps, and exploring reinvention through deception rather than relocation. The short episode length makes it perfectly bingeable, allowing viewers to fly through seasons while savoring the escalating stakes of Liza’s secret.
Thematically, Younger is smarter than its fluffy exterior suggests. It tackles ageism head-on, questioning societal obsessions with youth while highlighting the wisdom and resilience that come with experience. Liza’s journey is one of empowerment: reclaiming her career, sexuality, and independence after divorce. Romances abound—steamy flings, heartfelt connections, and heartbreaking choices—but the show never loses sight of personal growth. Love triangles between Josh’s youthful passion and Charles’s mature stability keep tensions high, while workplace plots involve quirky authors, viral book trends, and corporate shake-ups that mirror real publishing drama.
Across seven seasons and 84 episodes, the narrative evolves beautifully. Early seasons focus on Liza’s immersion in millennial culture—navigating dating apps, social media, and hook-up norms—yielding hilarious culture-clash comedy. As secrets threaten to unravel, later arcs delve deeper into consequences: fractured friendships, professional risks, and emotional reckonings. The final season ties threads with satisfying closure, blending humor, tears, and triumphs without feeling rushed.
What makes Younger such an addictive guilty pleasure is its balance of froth and substance. Episodes pack glamour—rooftop parties, designer outfits, literary events—with relatable heart: parenting struggles, career setbacks, and the fear of being “too old” for dreams. The dialogue sparkles with clever quips, pop culture references, and honest vulnerability, making characters feel like friends you’d grab cocktails with.
Fans discovering it on Netflix rave about its comfort-watch appeal: light enough for background viewing yet engaging enough to demand full attention. Many describe powering through multiple seasons in days, hooked by the “just one more” allure. Its high critical acclaim reflects polished writing and performances, proving it’s more than mindless fluff—it’s a celebration of starting over at any age.
In a streaming era dominated by heavy dramas, Younger is pure joy: stylish, romantic, and empowering. For anyone missing the bubbly energy of Emily in Paris or craving Sex and the City‘s vibe with a fresh spin, this forgotten gem is waiting to become your next obsession. Once you hit play on Liza’s bold lie, stopping becomes impossible—proving it’s never too late for a fabulous reinvention.
