Like PEN15? Discover Similar Shows & Movies To Watch Now!
Ever felt the cringeworthy sting of middle school, amplified by the relentless social pressures of the early 2000s? If you have, then you're probably already obsessed with PEN15 , and if not, prepare to be hooked.
Originally conceived as a satire of sitcoms from the '50s and '60s, PEN15 was designed to resemble an affectionate parody of Leave it to Beaver. Despite facing "copious amounts of executive meddling," the series ultimately became a cultural touchstone. It's a show that fearlessly dives into the awkwardness and angst of adolescence, offering a raw and relatable portrayal of those formative years. The comedic story of middle school is seen through the eyes of two 7th-grade girls, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, who also happen to be the creators. They navigate the social hierarchy of the seventh grade, dealing with the universal challenges of being a teenager.
But who are the masterminds behind this cringe-comedy masterpiece? Let's delve into the lives of Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, the creators, stars, and executive producers of PEN15.
| Attribute | Maya Erskine | Anna Konkle |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Maya Erskine | Anna Konkle |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1987 | March 12, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA | Westwood, California, USA |
| Education | University of Southern California (BFA in Dramatic Arts) | New York University (BFA in Acting) |
| Known For | PEN15, Man Seeking Woman, Wine Country | PEN15, Rosewood, Big Mouth |
| Career Highlights | Created, wrote, and starred in PEN15; Emmy Award Nominee | Created, wrote, and starred in PEN15; Emmy Award Nominee |
| Other Works | Appeared in various films and television series. Voice roles. | Appeared in various films and television series. Voice roles. |
| Notable Awards/Nominations | Emmy Award Nominations (for PEN15 as a writer and producer) | Emmy Award Nominations (for PEN15 as a writer and producer) |
| Relationship | Married to Michael Angarano; 1 child | In a relationship |
| Website | IMDB | IMDB |
The show's unique appeal stems from its commitment to realism. PEN15 isn't afraid to tackle the darker side of its comedic subject matter, exploring the insecurities, anxieties, and social dynamics of middle school. Its a show that isnt just funny; its a time capsule of a specific moment in time, a poignant reminder of the universal experience of growing up.
The series, which premiered on February 8, 2019, on Hulu, stars not just Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, but also features Melora Walters, Mutsuko Erskine, along with guest appearances and a supporting cast that contribute to the authentic feel of the show. Alongside Erskine and Konkle, Sam Zvibleman is a co-creator. The show also boasts a strong behind-the-scenes team, with executive producers including Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Becky Sloviter, Marc Provissiero, Brooke Pobjoy, Debbie Liebling, and Gabe Liedman.
PEN15 has garnered critical acclaim and has received four Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Comedy Series. This recognition underscores the show's impact and its ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
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So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of PEN15 and relive the awkward, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking journey of middle school. Its a ride you wont soon forget.
If youre already a fan and looking for more shows that capture the spirit of PEN15, youre in luck. There are plenty of series that explore similar themes of adolescence, awkwardness, and the search for identity.
Here are some shows to consider. Finding a show with a similar taste can be a tough job, but we have compiled a comprehensive list of best similar comedy shows:
| Show Title | Platform(s) | Why You Might Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Freaks and Geeks | Streaming on various platforms | A cult classic that perfectly captures the awkwardness and angst of high school in the early 1980s. Like PEN15, it's a show about navigating social dynamics and finding your place. |
| Shrill | Hulu | A struggling young journalist tackles body image, relationships, and career aspirations with humor and heart, much like PEN15's focus on relatable challenges. |
| Big Mouth | Netflix | An animated series that tackles the terrifying world of puberty with frankness and surreal humor. It's like PEN15 but animated, with a focus on the physical and emotional changes of adolescence. |
| Sex Education | Netflix | This show, like PEN15, is unafraid to delve into the complexities of sexuality, relationships, and social awkwardness. It's a teen comedy that balances humor with emotional depth. |
| Degrassi: The Next Generation | Various platforms | If you're looking for some early 2000s nostalgia and plenty of laughs, Degrassi is a great choice. It offers a similar era feel and deals with the trials and tribulations of teenagers. |
| Strangers with Candy | Various platforms | Known for its surreal humor, it is the only thing that's like PEN15 because of its similar comedic styling. |
| On My Block | Netflix | It offers a similar exploration of the awkwardness of adolescence |
| Superbad | Streaming on various platforms | This is an excellent film that follows two high school seniors looking to party before graduation. |
| Booksmart | Streaming on various platforms | For fans of PEN15 looking for good movie recommendations, this is an excellent film. |
PEN15 is more realistic in how the kids act, whereas Big Mouth leans more into zany sitcom at times. PEN15 is middle school as it really happened. The series stars.
There's a reason this one season show continues to hold its status as a cult classic. No tv comedy tackles the terrifying world of puberty like Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle's PEN15, but a few shows come close to that cringe humor.The live action comedy stars, the show received four emmy award nominations, including one for outstanding comedy series.
The comedic story of middle school seen through the eyes of two 7th grade girls dealing with the awkwardness of being a teenager.If you love the raunchy and raw humor of pen15, check out these shows and movies that explore the awkwardness of adolescence.
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