I Am Not Okay With This

While the ‘80s-esque teen comedy outer shell is likely enough to attract plenty of casual viewers, what will keep people invested is how “I’m Not Okay With This” offers a poignant emotional heart and soul that isn’t found in most attempts at regurgitating the supernatural/coming of age formula.

As the show’s emotional swings match Syd’s various states, Lillis provides the necessary bridge between them. ... In the rare moments when Syd, Dina, and Stan get the chance to operate as a group, there’s a glimmer of what the show could be if it moves beyond these first seven chapters. Even when they’re split apart, “I Am Not Okay With This” exists in a comfortable cross-section of pace and scope that gives Syd’s story the breathing room it needs.

Being a teenager is pretty cliched, so it becomes more about the character work within that construct on a show like this one. “I Am Not Okay with This” works so well because of how deftly the creators and cast balance those character beats with a breakneck plot that unfolds in only about 140 minutes.

The seven episodes are lean and punchy, most coming in at just over 20 minutes, which allows the characters themselves to be illuminated. ... What feels so excitingly fresh about "I Am Not Okay With This" is that it actually takes time to explore the rage of adolescent girls.

As a coming-of-age dark teen comedy, I Am Not Okay with This totally works, delivering engaging characters, smart humor, and an immensely talented young cast. But as a coming-of-age dark comedy about a teenage girl with superpowers, it never fully finds its footing. ... Still, considering that I Am Not Okay with This hits far more often than it misses, if a clunky superpower plotline is what it takes to get me another season with these characters, then I guess I am okay with that after all.

The themes the series tackles aren't inherently novel or unique, and Sydney can be a frustrating heroine at times, but I'd argue that's the point and also why the show ultimately succeeds as a vehicle for teenage ennui.

“I Am Not Okay With This” may not surprise you much, but it has charm and voice to spare. And bucking the streaming-TV bloat trend, it runs seven energetic episodes of around twenty minutes apiece.

Whatever it takes to expand the world find some new, fun things for Lillis to do, let’s hope Entwistle and Hall lock it down and shake things up a bit more.

TEOTFW, in its first season at least, followed a clear story arc — teen psychopath discovers his humanity — while Not Okay waters down its bittersweet saga of loss and self-discovery with unnecessary supernatural hoo-hah. ... The It co-stars have a sweet and comfortable chemistry.