Netflix has just released all ten episodes of its new series Geek Girl, starring Emily Carey. Based on Holly Smale’s novel of the same name, the show follows the life of Harriet, a self-identified geek who experiences an unexpected turn in her life when a top modeling agency in London discovers her. The premise of Geek Girl revolves around the familiar theme of a teenage coming-of-age story, where the protagonist learns self-acceptance amidst various trials and tribulations.

The series draws parallels to another Netflix adaptation, Girlboss, which premiered in 2017. Both shows are adapted from novels and share a similar sense of disorganised storytelling. Netflix’s Geek Girl doesn’t seem to break any new ground in the saturated genre of teen drama. The plot feels overly familiar, following the conventional arc of teen struggles and eventual self-discovery without introducing fresh or engaging elements.

The execution of the series leaves much to be desired. The storytelling is scattered, making it hard to follow or become genuinely invested in the series. The creators’ lack of effort in developing a coherent narrative is evident, making it feel like a product of obligation rather than passion or creativity. This sense of mediocrity is evident not only in the development of the series but also in the performances. At times, the acting comes across as forced, adding an element of cringe rather than authenticity to the characters’ portrayals.

The clichéd nature of the series contributes to its overall lackluster impression. It ticks all the boxes of typical teenage drama tropes without making any significant attempts to innovate or surprise the audience. As a 23-year-old male, I might not be the target demographic for Netflix’s Geek Girl, yet it’s hard to imagine that viewers of any demographic could find a genuine connection or draw significant enjoyment from this adaptation.

The series is full of clichés and not in a good way, unlike Amazon Prime’s How To Date Billy Walsh. The only genuinely funny aspect of the series is Harriet’s inner monologues, which often provide humour, especially in awkward situations. While the overall performances are mediocre at best, Emily Carey stands out in her role as Harriet, bringing authenticity to her portrayal of an awkward and neurodivergent teenager.

While adaptations of novels can many times lead to captivating drama like Hulu’s recent adaptation of John Green’s novel Turtles All the Way Down, it takes more than just the initial premise to craft a successful show. Engaging storytelling, compelling characters, and a unique approach are essential. Unfortunately, Geek Girl seems to miss all these marks, making it a forgettable addition to the plethora of coming-of-age series on Netflix.

P.S. My Letterboxd handle is @BhumikGrover.