TV Review: 21 Again
3rd June 2019
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BBC Three’s 21 Again challenges the mothers of five Gen-Z daughters to immerse themselves in the world of zero-hour contracts, online dating and social media success.

Mothers and Daughters // Image Credit: BBC
The premise is simple: the 21-day experiment sees if these mums can keep their cover as 21-year-olds, online and offline. While it seems unconvincing at times that they are able to pass for 20 years younger, the four-parter is an enjoyable, light-hearted watch which explores how the generation gap can be lessened. Seeing the relationships flourish and the understanding grow is heart-warming, but it is far from perfect. It’s safe to say that the experiment covers many challenges facing Gen-Z. The series opens up with the frivolous elements of youth, with makeovers, hairstyles, and clothes all being rehauled… the mums not only have to play the part but look it too. The makeovers are somewhat successful, with pink hair and animal print being prominent themes on my Instagram feed, though I’m not sure if sequined trousers and slogan tees saying ‘I can’t relate to 99% of humanity’ screams Gen-Z. As a 20-year-old, I’m not sure if the daughters in the experiment are reflective of the majority of people I know. The five daughters are so similar that they fail to represent the scope of ambitions, interests and achievements held by people in their teens and twenties. It was frustrating having the women of generation being presented as social media-obsessed, with all sights set on gaining followers. Social media may permeate much of our society, but for it to be put forward as the most aspirational career for me and my peers is exasperating. But fortunately, while the influencer industry is glamorised at times, it does reveal the insecurities, instabilities and hardships that go with it. This is where 21 Again hits the mark: it notes where the desire to pursue a career in social media comes from, but does not idolise it as the dream job.
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