Introducing Everything Sucks! (2018): A Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Gem

Overview

Everything Sucks! is a 2018 American comedy-drama series created by Ben York Jones and Michael Mohan for Netflix. Set in the mid-1990s in the fictional town of Boring, Oregon, this single-season show blends humor, heart, and nostalgia to tell a coming-of-age story about high school misfits navigating love, identity, and the awkwardness of adolescence. Released on February 16, 2018, the series consists of 10 episodes, each running approximately 22–27 minutes, and is rated TV-14. Despite its critical acclaim, earning an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show was canceled after one season due to modest viewership, leaving fans clamoring for more. Produced by Midnight Radio and Team Dowling, Everything Sucks! captures the spirit of the ’90s through its authentic period details, iconic soundtrack, and heartfelt storytelling, making it a beloved cult classic for fans of teen dramas.

Plot Summary

Set in 1996, Everything Sucks! follows a group of freshmen at Boring High School as they grapple with the trials of teenage life. The story centers on Luke O’Neil (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), a shy, optimistic teen obsessed with filmmaking, who joins the school’s A/V Club. Luke develops a crush on Kate Messner (Peyton Kennedy), the principal’s daughter, who is questioning her sexuality and struggling with her identity. Their budding romance forms the emotional core of the series, complicated by Kate’s internal conflict and the social dynamics of high school.

Meanwhile, the A/V Club, a haven for nerdy outcasts, clashes with the Drama Club, led by the flamboyant Emaline Addario (Sydney Sweeney) and her boyfriend, Oliver Schermerhorn (Elijah Stevenson). The two clubs are forced to collaborate on an ambitious intergalactic musical, Interstellar High, which becomes a backdrop for personal growth and conflict. Luke’s best friends, Tyler (Quinn Liebling) and McQuaid (Rio Mangini), navigate their own struggles with family issues and social acceptance, while Kate’s father, Principal Ken Messner (Patch Darragh), forms an unexpected bond with Luke’s single mother, Sherry O’Neil (Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako), adding a layer of adult romance to the mix.

The season builds toward the musical’s premiere, weaving themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the courage to be authentic. Key moments include Kate’s journey toward coming out as a lesbian, Luke’s efforts to win her affection, and the ensemble’s chaotic yet heartfelt production. The finale leaves viewers on a bittersweet note, with unresolved storylines that fueled fan campaigns for a second season.

Cast and Characters

The series features a talented young cast, many of whom have since risen to prominence:

• Jahi Di’Allo Winston as Luke O’Neil: A hopeful freshman and A/V Club member with dreams of becoming a filmmaker, whose crush on Kate drives much of the plot.
• Peyton Kennedy as Kate Messner: The principal’s daughter, grappling with her sexual identity and the pressure to fit in.
• Quinn Liebling as Tyler Bowen: Luke’s loyal, quirky friend dealing with a troubled home life.
• Rio Mangini as McQuaid: A socially awkward A/V Club member with a sharp wit.
• Sydney Sweeney as Emaline Addario: The dramatic, confident Drama Club star with a rebellious streak.
• Elijah Stevenson as Oliver Schermerhorn: Emaline’s charismatic boyfriend with dreams of escaping Boring.
• Patch Darragh as Ken Messner: Kate’s father and Boring High’s principal, navigating single parenthood and a new romance.
• Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako as Sherry O’Neil: Luke’s warm, supportive mother, who finds herself drawn to Ken.

Supporting roles include Abigail Brown as Leslie, Kate’s friend, and Nicole McCullough as Jessica, adding depth to the high school ensemble. The performances, particularly Kennedy’s nuanced portrayal of Kate and Sweeney’s breakout role as Emaline, bring authenticity to the characters’ emotional journeys.

Themes and Cultural Significance

Everything Sucks! is a love letter to the 1990s, capturing the era’s cultural touchstones—VHS tapes, dial-up internet, Tamagotchis, and a soundtrack featuring hits from Oasis, TLC, and The Offspring. The series explores universal coming-of-age themes: identity, first love, and the search for belonging. Kate’s arc, as she navigates her sexuality in a small town, offers a poignant depiction of self-acceptance, resonating with LGBTQ+ audiences. Luke’s optimism and creative passion reflect the dreams of youth, while the A/V and Drama Club rivalry humorously mirrors high school cliques.

The show’s cultural significance lies in its balance of nostalgia and relevance. By setting the story in 1996, it evokes a pre-social media era where personal connections were forged through shared interests like music and movies. Its focus on marginalized characters—nerds, queer teens, and those from broken homes—gives voice to the underdog, making it a precursor to shows like Sex Education and Heartstopper. However, some critics noted the series leaned heavily on ’90s clichés, which occasionally overshadowed its emotional depth.

Production and Cinematography

Created by Ben York Jones and Michael Mohan, Everything Sucks! was filmed in Oregon, with locations like Oregon City and Boring (a real town) lending authenticity to the setting. The production team, including executive producers Brett Bouttier and Jeff Pinkner, crafted a visually distinct series with a warm, grainy aesthetic reminiscent of ’90s home videos. Cinematographer Eduardo Enrique Mayén used soft lighting and period-specific props—Blockbuster rentals, flannel shirts, and Walkmans—to immerse viewers in the era. The show’s soundtrack, featuring tracks like “Wonderwall” and “No Scrubs,” is a standout, enhancing the nostalgic vibe.

The decision to center the plot around a student-made musical allowed for creative set pieces, with the Interstellar High production showcasing the cast’s talents and the show’s playful tone. Despite its cancellation, the production quality was praised for its attention to detail and ability to capture the awkward charm of adolescence.

Reception and Impact

Everything Sucks! debuted to positive reviews, earning an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 47 critic reviews and a 78% audience score. Critics lauded its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, with The New York Times calling it “a charming, bittersweet look at teenage life” and Variety praising its “earnest exploration of identity.” However, some felt the show struggled to stand out in Netflix’s crowded slate, with viewership reportedly not meeting the platform’s expectations, leading to its cancellation in April 2018.

Fans took to social media, particularly Twitter (now X), to express disappointment, launching petitions like #RenewEverythingSucks that garnered thousands of signatures. Posts on X highlight the show’s enduring appeal, with users praising its queer representation and ’90s nostalgia, though some noted its short episode count limited character development. The series’ cancellation sparked discussions about Netflix’s quick trigger on axing niche shows, a sentiment echoed with other canceled series like The OA. Despite its brief run, Everything Sucks! has found a second life through streaming, with new viewers discovering it years later.

Where to Watch

Everything Sucks! is available to stream exclusively on Netflix in regions including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages. The full 10-episode season can be binged in about four hours, making it an accessible watch for those seeking a quick, nostalgic escape. Check Netflix’s official site or app for availability in your region.

Comparison to Similar Shows

Everything Sucks! shares DNA with other teen dramedies like Freaks and Geeks and My So-Called Life, both of which also explored ’90s adolescence with authenticity. Its focus on a queer coming-of-age story aligns with Heartstopper, though Everything Sucks! leans more heavily into comedy and nostalgia. Unlike Stranger Things, which uses ’80s sci-fi as a hook, Everything Sucks! grounds its story in realistic teen experiences, making it a quieter but equally heartfelt addition to the genre. The A/V-Drama Club dynamic recalls the rivalries in Glee, but with a grungier, less polished vibe.

Conclusion

Everything Sucks! (2018) is a hidden gem in Netflix’s catalog, offering a nostalgic, heartfelt dive into the awkward joys and pains of 1990s adolescence. With its endearing cast, authentic period details, and poignant exploration of identity, the series captures the universal struggle of growing up while celebrating the quirks of the era. Though its cancellation after one season left storylines unresolved, its cult following and critical praise cement its status as a beloved, if underappreciated, entry in the coming-of-age genre. For fans of teen dramas or those craving a dose of ’90s nostalgia, Everything Sucks! is a must-watch that delivers laughter, tears, and a reminder that sometimes, the things that make us different are what make us shine.