8.7
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
PEN15 (2019)
PEN15 (2019)
Overview
Middle school as it really happened. Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle star in this adult comedy, playing versions of themselves as thirteen-year-old outcasts in the year 2000, surrounded by actual thirteen-year-olds, where the best day of your life can turn into your worst with the stroke of a gel pen.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Judaism: Positive
Viewer Rating
8.7
Overview
Middle school as it really happened. Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle star in this adult comedy, playing versions of themselves as thirteen-year-old outcasts in the year 2000, surrounded by actual thirteen-year-olds, where the best day of your life can turn into your worst with the stroke of a gel pen.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The show primarily focuses on the universal, apolitical themes of adolescence, friendship, and self-discovery, without explicitly promoting or critiquing specific political ideologies. Its central conflict and solution are rooted in personal growth and interpersonal relationships rather than political frameworks.
The series features a lead character who is a woman of color, reflecting the creator's own identity, and includes a visibly diverse supporting cast. The narrative focuses on the universal experiences of middle school life, rather than explicitly critiquing traditional identities or making DEI themes central to its plot.
Secondary
PEN15 offers a positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes through a main character's journey. Anna's exploration of her sexuality and crush on a female classmate is depicted with empathy and realism, affirming the validity of her feelings as a natural part of adolescence without resorting to mockery or negative stereotypes.
The show portrays Maya's Jewish identity as a core part of her character, exploring themes of belonging and difference with nuance and sympathy. While she faces some peer ignorance, the narrative frames these challenges as external, affirming her identity and cultural background.
PEN15 primarily explores the coming-of-age experiences of two cisgender female protagonists in middle school. There are no identifiable transsexual characters or themes present within the show's narrative, leading to a rating of N/A for its portrayal.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
PEN15 is an original comedy series featuring new characters created for the show. It is not an adaptation, biopic, or reboot of existing material with established characters, thus precluding any gender swaps.
PEN15 is an original comedy series, not an adaptation of existing material or a biopic. Its characters were created for the show, meaning there is no prior canonical or historical race to be swapped.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
8.1
8.3
Critic Ratings
9.7
8.7
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