Generation (TV series)

Production

The series was first announced in September 2019 with a pilot order written by Daniel Barnz and his daughter Zelda Barnz, who also created the series. Daniel Barnz directed the pilot. Executive producers included Daniel, Zelda, Ben Barnz, Jenni Konner, and Lena Dunham.

Production companies involved were Good Thing Going Productions, We're Not Brothers Productions, and I Am Jenni Konner Productions. Casting in September 2019 added Martha Plimpton, Justice Smith, Chloe East, Michael Johnston as Ollie, Nava Mau, Haley Sanchez, Uly Schlesinger, Nathanya Alexander as Arianna, Lukita Maxwell, and Chase Sui Wonders, with Sam Trammell in a recurring role. Filming for the pilot began at South Pasadena High School in September 2019 and continued there during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reception

Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone rated the series 3/5, noting it is lighter than some peers but still self-conscious, with promise. Saloni Gajjar of The A.V. Club gave a B−, writing that the series' strengths emerge when teens interact in a grounded manner, diving meaningfully into serious issues without getting too dark. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 75% approval rating based on 28 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6/10; the critics consensus states that its salacious flourishes can feel try-hard, but its inclusive portrayal of Gen Z shines when identifying universal pains of being a teenager. Metacritic gave a weighted average score of 60 out of 100 based on 12 critics, indicating mixed or average reviews.