Kennedy Reed, Staff Writer
The Bold Type Promotional Banner. Photo//Freeform
Once we hit our 20s, it seems like everything in our lives changes and life begins going from 10 mph to 100 mph. All of a sudden, decisions become harder, you’re trying to find out who you are, bills start to appear, relationships disappear, and it is pretty much expected that we are to have our lives figured out.
As an almost 21-year-old, I absolutely do not have everything figured out. It’s not always easy talking to others, especially outside of your own friends/peers; however, I’ve realized that TV shows highlighting circumstances involved in my own life can help me feel better and bring me a little more clarity.
Originally discovering The Bold Type while searching for new shows, my high school self felt so compelled and primarily excited as the 2017 Freeform show took place in New York City surrounding fashion, magazine columns, and the NYC media industry. However, I rewatched the entire TV show again when I turned 20, and it felt surreal and empowering.
The show follows three best friends–Jane, Sutton, and Kat–working at Scarlet, a popular women’s magazine. The series addresses everything from career struggles to sexuality, differences in social class, the value of true friends, personal growth, and adult dating. Its authentic nature even details more difficult topics like sexual violence, mental health, and racial profiling.
The show ensures that multiple experiences (including male experiences) and identities are given a voice. The show’s storyline holds a strong testament to how media can be a powerful representation of marginalized groups and difficult conversations. It’s refreshing to see the raw thoughts and portrayals of each character as they find themselves in real-world situations, making you feel connected to each character.
At its core, The Bold Type is deeply feminist. The show encourages gender equality not only through their characters but also in their workplace settings. With a woman as the magazine’s editor-in-chief who is compassionate and determined, the series explores what it means to be a woman in today’s society–whether it is fighting for equal rights or supporting women of color.
The feminism rooted in the show encourages all women to unapologetically be themselves and pursue their dreams. As a young black woman trying to go into the media field herself, this part of the show spoke to me the most. After being told for many years that I could never make it in my field, I’ve often doubted myself about my career path, but the themes in this show have reminded me to stay true to myself and my passions. For us 20-somethings starting out on our own, having the message of empowerment is not only important but very necessary.
It is easy to get caught up in other people’s views or realities when you’re still trying to discover yourself. Life can be messy, bold, exciting, and disappointing, but it is important for us to have these experiences as young adults.
For anyone in their 20s, The Bold Type is the perfect show. Not only is it entertaining, but it is also refreshing and inspires you that things will be okay. It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s okay to be different, it is okay to go after your wildest dreams, and it is surely okay to be who you are. The Bold Type opens the door with a reminder that in a world full of uncertainties, we are not alone.
The Bold Type ran from 2017-2021 with 5 seasons and is currently available to watch on Hulu with a subscription.
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