A few weeks ago, Freeform premiered a new show called "The Bold Type" and it is just fantastic on so many levels. The show is inspired by former editor-in-chief of "Cosmopolitan" Joanna Coles and it surrounds three young ambitious women in New York City working at Scarlet magazine. Jane just became a full-time writer, Kat is the Social Media Director and Sutton is an assistant looking to move on to better things. These women are close friends and they try to navigate through their crazy/busy lives.It is fun, witty and relatable and I'm a firm believer that every 20-something woman should at least give it a try because you might just fall in love with it like I have. If you're still on the fence, here are my top 5 reasons you should watch The Bold Type.
1. The Characters are Relatable
Jane, Kat and Sutton all have very different personalities and it's very easy to see yourself in them. Jane likes to play it safe but with her recent promotion is constantly being pushed out of her comfort zone while trying to figure out what kind of writer she is going to be. At first, Kat comes across as a confident bad-ass feminist who speaks her mind and isn't afraid of anything but later we see that she doesn't have it all figured out either. Sutton is the girl that is starting to feel like she's behind in life. She's been an assistant for 3 years and is watching her best friends get promoted while she's not quite sure what's next for her.
2. They Face Real Problems
The story lines that the characters face are real problems that our generation faces all the time. Jane struggles with the assignments she gets at work, Kat struggles with her sexuality and internet trolls, and Sutton struggles with whether or not to take a risk and chase her dream or take the safe and practical path. The writers of the show do a fantastic job addressing these issues in a way that is fun and entertaining but also sheds a light on the seriousness of some of them.
3. They Build Each Other Up
So often women tear each other down because we view other successful women as threats. What is so great about The Bold Type is that the characters are all so genuinely supportive of each other and push one another to greatness. Whether it be a problem at work, in their relationships or their health, they are always there for each other. I think we all hope to have friendships like the one Jane, Kat and Sutton have.
4. It Showcases Women in Power
Usually when a TV show or a movie shows a woman in a powerful position, they are portrayed as aggressive, cold or just plain unlikable (think Devil Wears Prada or The Proposal). But The Bold Type shows Jacqueline, the editor-in-chief of Scarlet, as a supportive, relatable boss that encourages her employees to reach their full potential. She doesn't just sit at her desk and yell at everyone; she's truly invested in each of her employee's careers and lives. She's the mentor we all wish we had.
5. "Stealth Feminism"
In the first episode, Kat explains how Scarlet practices 'stealth feminism'. “It’s no longer about how to please your man or woman in bed,” Kat explains, “it’s about how to please yourself.” Stealth Feminists fly under the radar but make a big difference by quietly doing the work of social justice in their daily lives. Jacqueline reiterates this point in a celebratory speech by saying “To those of us who say we are still a fashion and beauty magazine, I say yes, yes we are. But for those of you who say we are just a fashion and beauty magazine, I say here’s the next great mascara to give you bigger eyes to see the world. Here’s a fabulous pair of jeans, now go climb a mountain!”
So, cheers to my new summer obsession. I hope you give it a chance because I can almost gaurantee you won't be disappointed! :)