7.1 / 10 (based on 2721 reviews)
A diverse group of young women navigating their lives through the predominantly male oriented world of skateboarding.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Dede Lovelace, Kabrina Adams, Nina Moran, Ajani Russell
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 30-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Betty (2020)
Generation (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 5623 reviews)
Ensemble dramedy centering on a group of high school students exploring their sexuality in a modern world.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell
Creators: Daniel Barnz, Zelda Barnz
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1 season, 16 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
We Are Who We Are (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 9054 reviews)
Two American teenagers come of age while living on an American military base in Italy.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Jack Dylan Grazer, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Chloë Sevigny, Alice Braga
Creators: Sean Conway, Paolo Giordano, Luca Guadagnino
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1 season, 8 episodes, 462.0-minute runtime
I May Destroy You (2020)
8.1 / 10 (based on 23348 reviews)
The question of sexual consent in contemporary life and how, in the new landscape of dating and relationships, we make the distinction between liberation and exploitation.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, Paapa Essiedu, Stephen Wight
Creators: Michaela Coel
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1 season, 12 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
High Maintenance (2016)
8.1 / 10 (based on 9587 reviews)
A comedy that explores the private lives of unique New York individuals through a common thread: their weed deliveryman.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Ben Sinclair, Kate Lyn Sheil, Britt Lower, Abdullah Saeed
Creators: Ben Sinclair, Katja Blichfeld
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4 seasons, 34 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Insecure (2016)
8 / 10 (based on 19655 reviews)
Follows the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern-day African-American woman.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell
Creators: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore
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5 seasons, 44 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
High Fidelity (2020)
7.7 / 10 (based on 13824 reviews)
A fan of music, pop culture and Top Five lists runs a local record store in her hometown. An adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel “High Fidelity”.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Zoë Kravitz, Jake Lacy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, David H. Holmes
Creators: Sarah Kucserka, Veronica West
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1 season, 10 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Feel Good (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 12068 reviews)
The series follows recovering addict and comedian Mae, who is trying to control the addictive behaviors and intense romanticism that permeate every facet of her life.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Mae Martin, Charlotte Ritchie, Phil Burgers, Jack Barry
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Betty en NY (2019)
7.3 / 10 (based on 697 reviews)
The show centers on Beatriz Aurora Rincon Lozano, a young climber who takes a job at V&M Fashion as secretary to the company president.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Elyfer Torres, Erick Elias, Amaranta Ruiz, Sabrina Seara
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1 season, 124 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
The White Lotus (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 160089 reviews)
The exploits of various guests and employees of a tropical resort over the span of a week.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario
Creators: Mike White
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3 seasons, 14 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Introduction to Betty (2020)
In the landscape of modern TV shows, where every series seems to be a spin-off, a reboot, or a sequel, “Betty” emerges as a breath of fresh air. Premiering in 2020, this HBO series takes us into the lives of a diverse group of young women navigating the male-dominated world of skateboarding in New York City. What sets “Betty” apart isn’t just its subject matter but its approach to storytelling, character development, and its unapologetic dive into the complexities of youth culture.
The Core of Betty: Characters and Their Journeys
At its heart, “Betty” is a character-driven series. It doesn’t rely on over-the-top drama or sensational plot twists. Instead, it finds its strength in the authenticity of its characters and their relationships. The show revolves around five main characters: Kirt, Janay, Honeybear, Camille, and Indigo. Each character brings a unique perspective to the group, and their individual journeys offer a rich tapestry of stories that speak to the experiences of young women today.
- Kirt is the life of the party, often providing comic relief but also showing moments of deep empathy and loyalty.
- Janay is strong-willed and passionate, never shying away from standing up for what she believes in.
- Honeybear is the quiet observer, dealing with her own insecurities and sexuality.
- Camille is driven and ambitious, constantly negotiating her place in the skateboarding world.
- Indigo is the newcomer, navigating the challenges of independence and responsibility.
Through these characters, “Betty” explores themes of friendship, identity, sexism, and social justice, all while maintaining a light-hearted and often humorous tone.
Realism and Representation
One of the most compelling aspects of “Betty” is its commitment to realism and representation. The show is a continuation of Crystal Moselle’s 2018 film “Skate Kitchen,” and it features the same cast, most of whom are non-professional actors who were part of the real-life all-girl skate collective in New York City. This choice lends an authenticity to the series that is hard to replicate with traditional actors. The dialogue feels natural, the skateboarding scenes are genuine, and the chemistry between the characters is palpable.
Moreover, “Betty” doesn’t shy away from the diversity of its cast, both in terms of race and sexuality. It’s refreshing to see a show that not only includes but celebrates a variety of voices and experiences. The representation of women in a male-dominated sport like skateboarding is particularly noteworthy. “Betty” doesn’t just highlight the challenges these women face; it also showcases their resilience, talent, and the tight-knit community they’ve built.
Skateboarding as a Backdrop
While skateboarding is a central element of “Betty,” it’s more than just a backdrop for the characters’ adventures. The skateboarding scenes are beautifully shot, capturing the freedom and exhilaration of the sport. But beyond that, skateboarding serves as a metaphor for the characters’ journeys. It’s about finding your balance, taking risks, and picking yourself up after a fall—themes that resonate with the broader narrative of the show.
The portrayal of skateboarding culture in “Betty” is also noteworthy. It provides a window into a world that many viewers might be unfamiliar with, highlighting the creativity, community, and counter-culture ethos that define it. The series does an excellent job of demystifying skateboarding, presenting it as an accessible and inclusive space, especially for women.
The Impact of Betty
Since its debut, “Betty” has made a significant impact, both culturally and within the skateboarding community. It’s been praised for its authentic representation, its nuanced approach to storytelling, and its ability to tackle important social issues without feeling preachy. For many viewers, “Betty” has been an eye-opening experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of young women who refuse to be defined by societal expectations.
Beyond its cultural impact, “Betty” has also inspired a new generation of female skateboarders. The show has brought visibility to women in the sport, encouraging more girls to pick up a skateboard and find their community. It’s a testament to the power of representation and the importance of telling diverse stories.
Conclusion
“Betty” is more than just a TV show about skateboarding. It’s a nuanced exploration of youth culture, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. With its authentic characters, commitment to representation, and unique perspective, “Betty” stands out as a vibrant and important piece of television. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact that a well-crafted series can have on its audience. Whether you’re a skateboarder or not, “Betty” offers something for everyone—a chance to see the world through a different lens and appreciate the beauty of finding your tribe.