lauren stern looks at mtv’s timely new series…
Plot: Five friends try to succeed in the real world after graduating college, but realize their dreams are not as easily attainable as they thought.
Lets face it: Since the Jersey Shore first aired in 2009, MTV programming has went down the tubes. Yes, the GTL guidos were significantly helping the network win ratings, but thanks to the show, MTV wasn’t really getting the respect they deserved from of the majority of the U.S. population.
But this summer, MTV decided to buck up. The network cancelled the Jersey Shore after this season and filled the extra time slots with some brilliant programs. One of them being their new hour long show Underemployed, which premiered this past Tuesday at 10/9c.
Underemployed may be a fictional program about five friends trying to make it in the real world, but for most recent graduates, it’s real life. Like any young person straight out of college, the five aim to go after their dreams, only to get hit with the cold harsh reality that it takes time and patience. Daphne (Sarah Habel), Miles(Diego Boneta), Raviva(Inbar Lavi), Lou (Jared Kusnitz), and Sophia (Michelle Ang) each have their own stories, but one thing that is common amongst their characters is that they’re still discovering who they are and where they are going to end up. It’s totally relatable for anyone currently embarking or experiencing post graduation life, which just so happens to be the most of the demographic of the network’s audience. Smart move, MTV!
While the relatable factor is significantly important and certainly a great aspect of the show, there’s plenty of other reasons why Unemployed should be given the time of day. One being the humorous banter among the five characters. Don’t get me wrong, this show isn’t laugh out loud funny, but it’s definitely comical thanks to the many punch liners. One quote that I cannot get over is when Miles discovers that he landed a gig as a half naked bartender instead of a Calvin Klein model. In explaining his new gig, his new boss says, “If you don’t have a big boy wrap it up in a tortilla.” To me, that’s gold because it’s not everyday you hear a statement like that come out of someone’s mouth! These one-liners were so great because they not only helped shine a light on some of the dilemmas in the plot but added this comedic twist that I don’t think any of the show’s viewers were initially expecting!
Another great aspect of this show is the cast’s impeccable job at portraying such a great group of characters. This cast comprises of five unknown names but regardless they’ve all proven that they have the potential to shine. In my opinion, there is not one unlikable character or actor in the group so far. Now, this may change as the show goes on, but I’m willing to bet it will be more of a-hate relationship for viewers more than anything else.
Underemployed is definitely worth checking out this season. It’s funny, relatable, and really has the potential to grow into something big for the network. After seeing the first episode, I can officially say I’m hooked and I can’t wait to see what happens to all of the characters in the show’s first season!
