Genera+ion

Watch Genera+ion

  • 2021
  • 1 Season

Genera+ion is a highly anticipated teenage drama streaming exclusively on HBO Max, revolving around the lives of high school students in Oceanside, California. Premiered on March 11th, 2021, the show has quickly become a fan favorite for its unfiltered, raw portrayal of the modern generation's issues.

The show follows a diverse group of students and their families through various challenges and struggles they face in their personal, social, and sexual lives. Through 16 episodes, the show explores issues such as racism, body shaming, bullying, sexuality, gender identity, and mental health, among others.

One of the USP of Genera+ion is its intersectional approach towards storytelling. The series features a predominantly young cast of talented actors, with most of them making their professional debut, making it a true Gen-Z show. The representation of BIPOC, LGBTQ, gender-nonconforming, and differently-abled characters in the narrative is nuanced and refreshing.

The lead characters, Chester (Justice Smith), Riley (Chase Sui Wonders), and Greta (Haley Sanchez), drive the main narrative, with each episode providing insight into their personalities and struggles. Chester, a Black student, grapples with the traumatic loss of his younger brother and his emotional health. He forms a close bond with Nathan (Uly Schlesinger), a white, gay student, who is often misunderstood by his conservative family. Riley, a Chinese-American student, is coming to terms with her queer identity and navigating her feelings for her best friend, Naomi (Chloe East), who is also coming out as bisexual.

The show features several adult characters played by industry veterans such as Martha Plimpton, Amber Lui, and Lukas Gage, who add a sense of perspective and wisdom to their young co-stars. The parental dynamics shown in the series are engaging, with each family having a unique story to tell. The show explores the parents' unconventional methods to help their children, as they navigate through their daily struggles.

Genera+ion also stands out with its brilliant use of music that adds a unique texture to the story. The soundtrack features songs from well-known artists such as Doja Cat, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Frank Ocean, among others.

The show embraces a fluid approach to gender and sexuality, with characters comfortably exploring and expressing their identities. It challenges traditional norms and stigma surrounding conversations about sex, consent, and masculinity. The depiction of queer love, intimacy, and romance is refreshing and offers an alternative spectrum of storytelling.

Although the show is entertaining with its witty dialogue and comic relief, it does not shy away from depicting darker subjects. The characters experience trauma, face discrimination, and deal with complex emotions. The show's depiction of mental illness is a standout, with each character's struggle unique, and their experiences never feel trivialized.

Genera+ion is a bold and essential addition to the teenage-drama genre, given its reflection on the realities faced by youth today. The show offers a captivating portrayal of the good, the bad, and the messy, that comes with adolescent experiences. The series is a must-watch for audiences who appreciate nuanced storytelling, unconventional characters, and unique perspectives.

Genera+ion is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between March 11, 2021 and on HBO Max

Genera+ion
Filter by Source

Seasons
V-Day
16. V-Day
July 8, 2021
Valentine’s Day puts love, truth, and friendships to the test as Riley struggles to put out the overwhelming fires around her, Cooper pushes Delilah towards honesty, and Chester and Nathan’s relationship comes full circle.
L'Amour
15. L'Amour
July 1, 2021
Mark's Valentine's Day party for the teens has an unexpected effect on his wife. After untangling their relationship from Nathan, Chester and Bo land in Megan's crosshairs. Riley and Greta work up the courage to level with each other.
Click Whirr
14. Click Whirr
July 1, 2021
After her father drops a bombshell, a sleep-deprived Riley finds herself at odds with Greta and Ana, dodging Sam, and in desperate need of an MIA Chester. Meanwhile, Naomi's dental procedure wreaks havoc on more than just her mouth.
There's Something About Hamburger Mary's
13. There's Something About Hamburger Mary's
June 24, 2021
After Nathan relocates their mother-son date night to a fundraiser for queer youth, Megan is forced out of her comfort zone. Meanwhile, Nathan drives a wedge between Chester and Bo, and Greta questions her romantic decisions.
The High Priestess
12. The High Priestess
June 24, 2021
At Arianna's sleepover, a potentially devastating secret helps inspire a solution to Delilah and Naomi's romantic dilemma.
Absolute Zero
11. Absolute Zero
June 17, 2021
Struggling to manage her stress, Riley pours herself into a job search, discovering a true ally in Ana. While Greta and Luz establish boundaries, Chester and Bo find a spark. Later, Greta's family dinner is full of surprises.
Built for Pleasure
10. Built for Pleasure
June 17, 2021
As Chester goes above and beyond to fulfill "boyfriend" duties, Nathan returns the favor. Greta finds herself caught between family time and a new connection with Luz, while Delilah keeps Riley close for an unconventional date with Cooper.
Deepfake
9. Deepfake
June 17, 2021
Back at school, Greta and Riley navigate lingering weirdness from their trip, while Delilah and Naomi fall for the same guy in French class. After Chester's frenzied first date with Bo, Nathan makes him an offer he can't refuse.
The Last Shall Be First
8. The Last Shall Be First
April 1, 2021
Chester recovers from his misfire with Sam, Naomi inadvertently shares a private video with her entire family, and Delilah leans on her friends for help making the most important decision of her life.
Desert Island
7. Desert Island
March 25, 2021
On the way to San Francisco, Nathan and Arianna are forced to navigate an awkward truth, Riley and Greta struggle to connect, and Chester’s admission to Sam sends them both spiraling.
The Wheels on the Bussy
6. The Wheels on the Bussy
March 25, 2021
Naomi turn a fun game into a merciless sibling takedown, and Sam moves his questions for Chester offline.
Gays and Confused
5. Gays and Confused
March 18, 2021
When school shuts down, Chester, Riley and Greta spend a blissful and intimate day together. With Chester distracted by a chance encounter with Sam, Greta and Riley explore a deeper level of their relationship.
Pussy Power
4. Pussy Power
March 18, 2021
Chester angles to land himself in Sam's office, only to struggle with the guidance he's given. Megan grapples with the rapidly evolving world. Naomi and Arianna help their friend through her highly unconventional birth.
Toasted
3. Toasted
March 11, 2021
Nathan's guilt over what happened with Naomi manifests in a very public declaration, while Chester, Riley and Greta sneak into an aquarium to get high. Later, Nathan once again forces Chester to play hero.
Dickscovery
2. Dickscovery
March 11, 2021
The chaos of Club Fair Day is unexpectedly interrupted, forcing the teens to reckon with some difficult truths. Later, just as Naomi decides to take her relationship with Jack to the next level, she makes a startling discovery.
Pilot
1. Pilot
March 11, 2021
While Chester catches the attention of the school's new guidance counselor, Greta learns she can't sneak anything past her aunt. After secrets drive Nathan and his twin Naomi apart, he hopes Chester can turn his awful evening around.
Description
Where to Watch Genera+ion
Genera+ion is available for streaming on the HBO Max website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Genera+ion on demand at Max.
  • Premiere Date
    March 11, 2021