There are shows you watch casually, and then there are shows that sneak up on you and suddenly feel personal. Younger did exactly that for me. Currently showing on Netflix.

At first glance, it’s a fun, glossy TV show about Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman who pretends to be 26 just to get back into the publishing world. Unrealistic? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely. But beyond the age lie, Younger is really about reinvention, ambition, friendship, and choosing yourself all wrapped up in great outfits and publishing drama.

So let’s talk about the 2 things that drew me into this show, the Liza and Charles chemistry and book publishing, because this is where my heart fully clocked in in those 7 seasons. Yeah I know, 7 seasons is crazy business!

What really pulled me in firstly was the publishing world that the show is centred in. As someone who studied Publishing Studies at uni and now kinda, sorta works the field, watching Younger felt like peeking into an alternate reality. One where publishing houses are buzzing, book launches are theeee events, and editors are treated like cultural tastemakers. It made me think that if I were “older” 😜 or perhaps born in a different publishing era or market, I would have absolutely loved working in a thriving publishing house like the ones depicted on the show.

And this is the sad part about it.

In Zimbabwe, we don’t quite have that kind of visible, booming book publishing industry anymore. The talent is here. The stories are here. The readers are here. But the infrastructure and scale just aren’t what they once were. Grateful though I got to experience the last kicks of a vibrant industry. I remember the Zimbabwe International Book Fair, ayyy sake sapopa njengelizwe bakithi. Watching Younger reminded me of what’s possible when books are truly valued and how powerful publishing can be when it’s supported, resourced, and celebrated. 

Now let’s talk about the couple that could have been my newest favourite show couple. Yes, Josh was younger, fun, spontaneous and hot. But what I loved about Charles and Liza though was the chemistry. The quiet kind. The stolen looks, shared values, love of books, and grown-up conversations. Their relationship felt intentional. Like two people who saw each other beyond the chaos. Even knowing Liza’s secret, I found myself rooting for them probably because we as the viewers know the truth about her age, and in my mind, they made sense. And even if she’s “26” and Charles is a 40 something year old Publishing Exec, I still rooted for them. No don’t judge me, you’ve done worse and at least this is just a show!

Josh and Liza felt like a season of life. Charles and Liza felt like the long game. With two divorces between them, three children, their (actual) age and so much more, I definitely think they are the perfect fit.

Younger also does something unique. It makes the publishing world feel exciting. Deadlines, manuscripts, author egos, office politics, all of it feels dramatic in the best way. It romanticises work without pretending it’s easy, and that balance is part of the show’s magic. 

At its core, Younger asks an uncomfortable question which is, who do you become when the world tells you it’s too late? And then it answers it boldly – you reinvent yourself anyway, because iLife iya goes-ona. 

If you’re looking for a show that’s smart, funny, and a little messy, Younger is worth the watch. It is full of heart with a love triangle that will absolutely divide you. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself quietly choosing sides…

Oh, by the way; Liza and Charles didn’t work out and I am STILL bummed about it.

Love & light 🧡