Grand Army

Katie Cappiello created Grand Army to capture the raw, unfiltered reality of teenagers navigating New York City. Premiering on Netflix in October 2020, this single-season drama follows five students at Brooklyn's largest public high school as they grapple with identity, trauma, and survival. The series stars Odessa A'zion as Joey Del Marco, a star athlete hiding a secret life, alongside Odley Jean, Amir Bageria, Maliq Johnson, Amalia Yoo, and Alphonso Jones II. Rated TV-MA for its explicit content, the show blends intense personal drama with moments of jazz-fueled euphoria. Critics and audiences responded warmly to its honest portrayal of modern adolescence, earning a solid 7.4 rating from viewers who appreciated its lack of sugarcoating. Each 53-minute episode dives deep into specific struggles ranging from sexual exploration to systemic pressure. The series ran for nine episodes before concluding its story arc, leaving a distinct mark on the landscape of teen television without relying on traditional tropes.[edit]