Leftist Teen Drama

In the season 1 finale of Leftist Teen Drama, Maria is joined by Emma and Dondré as we discuss the recent emergence of post-apocalyptic teen dramas like THE WILDS (2020-present), THE SOCIETY (2019), and DAYBREAK (2019). We talk about everything from the Gen Z/millennial climate anxiety present in all three scenarios to the way these shows answer the questions, “how will we survive? Where will we g...

In the penultimate episode of Season 1, Maria and her guest Hailey McInnes delve into the journey of beloved teen drama character Tim Riggins from FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2006-2011). When Tim’s family faces mounting medical bills and potential bankruptcy, they take extreme measures to make ends meet—and as a result, Tim becomes caught up in the criminal punishment system. In an episode where we quote...

Maria and her guest Liv Christian talk about the iconic strike episode on SISTER, SISTER (1994-1999). When the Food Boy workers go on strike, Terrence recruits Tamera—and later Tia—to work as scabs, much to staunch unionist Lisa’s dismay. But working a non-union job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Tia and Tamera end up receiving a crash course in unions before walking off the job themselves....

In our second discussion about the first two seasons of SEX EDUCATION (2019-present), Maria is joined by Ashley Cunningham and Susannah Wilson, the hosts of The Wet Seat, a podcast about taboo sex topics. We delve into all things sex therapy related, imagining what more inclusive and comprehensive sex education could look like based on the array of topics SEX EDUCATION tackles in just the first tw...

Come along with Maria and her guests Nicki, Emma, and Kelly: we’re going to Camp Moosehead with THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB (2020-present)! When Dawn Schafer and Claudia Kishi discover that only campers who can afford to pay a steep t-shirt fee are allowed to tie-dye, they set out to create an inclusive art class. Their attempts at making things right set off a revolution that includes civil disobedienc...

In the third episode, Maria and guests Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Liv Christian discuss beloved teen drama characters Moesha Mitchell from MOESHA (1996-2001) and Spencer James from ALL AMERICAN (2018-present). These two Crenshaw-based main characters are plunged into richer, whiter spaces when they transfer to different schools. As a result, they have similar arcs set twenty years apart, as they’re...

Brooke Davis once organized her workplace for better working conditions. Yes, that Brooke Davis, from ONE TREE HILL (2003-2012), the show that ran for so many seasons, it started on the WB and ended on the CW. Join Maria and her fellow unionists/friends Nicki and Emma as we take you through one of Maria’s favorite teen drama plotlines of all time—and talk about how to organize a union in your own...

In the premiere episode, we talk about the brilliance of the unapologetic Black queer character, Eric Effiong, on SEX EDUCATION (2019-present.) As will become tradition for the pod, Maria and her guests Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Liv Christian discuss our relationships to each other (including how Maria and Dondré became best friends on MySpace, true story) and our relationships to SEX EDUCATION. W...

A new podcast celebrating political moments on TV teen dramas, hosted by unionist/teen drama enthusiast Maria DiPasquale. Produced by Jeff McHale, with art by Maddy Wiryo. Season 1 premieres August 15, 2021. Solidarity forever! | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram , tumblr , tiktok : @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com