PEN15

Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle step into the shoes of thirteen-year-olds for Hulu's PEN15, a sharp comedy that captures the awkward chaos of middle school in the year 2000. The series runs for two seasons and twenty-five episodes between February 2019 and December 2021, earning an impressive 8.3 rating from its audience. Created by Erskine, Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman, the show features the duo playing fictionalized versions of themselves alongside actual children in key supporting roles. Their real-life friendship drives the narrative as they navigate the brutal social hierarchies of junior high while trying to survive seventh grade without losing their minds. The tone balances whimsical nostalgia with painful cringe, offering a raw look at puberty through the lens of adults who remember exactly how it felt. Viewers appreciate the honest portrayal of childhood struggles, from bad haircuts to first crushes, all set against a backdrop of early 2000s pop culture. The cast includes Mutsuko Erskine as Maya's mother and Melora Walters as Anna's mom, adding depth to the family dynamics. This unique approach makes PEN15 stand out among teen comedies by refusing to sugarcoat the experience.[edit]