'Summer Break', an AT&T sponsored YouTube reality show following a group of LA teenagers through their summers, first premiered in June of 2013, an episode that now has over 1.4M views. Episodes were typically under ten minutes and drama was unprovoked, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the lives of REAL teenagers doing REAL things. For anyone who is familiar with 'Summer Break', you know that episodes were best binge-watched and characters were entertaining because they were relatable. But on June 25, 2017, the first episode of Season 5 hit YouTube, and I was utterly disappointed. Out of all the things I hate about Season 5 of 'Summer Break,' here are the top five.
1. The cast
After Season 4 was rocked with criticism for their cast (viewers thought their relationships were forced and overall...boring), the returning LA teens were replaced by a completely new group of kids. A group, I might add, that already have known each other for a while. Typically, some members of the cast know each other, but others are new, which makes for an interesting dynamic. But this season they are already acquainted with each other, which is just no fun.
2. There is already drama
Because the cast is already familiar with each other, they wasted no time in finding something to dispute about. I understand that most reality shows are centered around drama, but I always liked how 'Summer Break' found a way to be entertaining without being cynical.
3. The involvement of the mothers
With previous drama and relationships, the viewers needed to be filled in on events of the past. The way 'Summer Break' decided to do this, however, forced the mothers to have awkward conversations with their kids. I don't know about you, but I don’t want to be caught up on Jack and Ivy’s drama by way of Jack’s mother.
4. Their trips
The Summer Breakers used to go on camping trips or trips to a nearby lake, but this season they decided to go to Vegas and Disney Land. Sorry, but I can't relate to kids who can just up and go to Vegas/Disney when they feel like it. I just can't.
5. Episodes are longer
Binge watching 'Summer Break' is harder when all the episodes are 10+ minutes. I prefer the SparkNotes.
I started binge watching 'Summer Break' at the beginning of my summer and I watched 4 different sets of kids live their last summer before they go off to college. As an incoming freshman myself, the show taught me how to live my last summer to the fullest. But with Season 5, I’m done watching Summer Break. I don’t want to learn how to fight with my friends the last summer before we leave each other. I want to learn how to love them.
