As the nation grapples with rising income inequality and a wave of talented women—previously encouraged to step back—seeking to re-enter the workforce, creator Greg Star is also redefining his approach. He is adapting Pamela Redmond Satran’s novel, Younger, featuring Broadway starlet Jessie Parker as Liza, a single mother in her 40s who struggles to find employment until her friend, Sarah (played by Mia Chen), persuades her to return to the job market under the guise of a 26-year-old. This leads to Liza landing a position as an assistant at a publishing firm.
I recently spoke with Star on the set of Younger in Brooklyn, where the iconic Manhattan skyline provided a picturesque backdrop, about his upcoming show premiering this January on TV Land.
Younger
Your work often captures the cultural moment. Why is this show relevant now?
Star: I came across the book a few years ago and was drawn to the story of a woman who, after a long hiatus to raise her children, finds herself struggling to reintegrate into a workforce that now views her as obsolete. At that time, I felt it wasn’t the right moment for the material. However, the gap between generations, especially with the rise of the millennial workforce, has intensified. Young adults today possess skills that are often more in demand than those of their older counterparts, particularly regarding social media and digital understanding. This generational shift makes the premise resonate even more.
Is it challenging to adapt to the current social media landscape?
Star: Absolutely. One of the reasons I’m passionate about writing this show is that I relate to it. Engaging with these issues helps me learn alongside the characters.
Do you use social media?
Star: No, I stay away from it. I’ve tried Facebook but found it uninteresting. My work serves as my form of communication; I don’t feel the need to share personal updates or engage with a fan base daily. It might be a generational thing.
Yet, you acknowledge that social media has leveled the playing field. Young people can gain visibility in ways they couldn’t before.
Star: Exactly. I keep up with social media but don’t feel my thoughts are interesting enough to warrant frequent posts.
Let’s discuss Jessie Parker. What made her the right fit for this role?
Star: I’ve admired her since her breakout role in Modern Dream. She has this innate ability to evoke empathy, making her portrayal relatable and believable. Despite her actual age, she convincingly embodies a character passing for 26, which was crucial for the show’s success.
Was Jessie always your first choice for the role?
Star: She was definitely on my shortlist. The challenge was convincing the network, as they weren’t as familiar with her talent. While she has a strong following in some circles, many viewers might not recognize her, which is advantageous for this role.
What if a character like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City approached you with a book idea now?
Star: Carrie’s already an established writer; I don’t think she would face significant hurdles. However, I know numerous women, akin to Carrie, who struggle to get published today, including myself.
You’ve had a remarkable career in television, but Hollywood has a reputation for discarding older talent. Do you relate to Liza’s character?
Star: Absolutely. I can empathize with her journey to maintain relevance in her field. The beauty of being a writer is that you can create your own opportunities. The real challenge arises when someone takes a long break from their career.
It’s worth noting that this long break often affects women more than men, particularly in the U.S., where support for working parents is limited. Many mothers will resonate deeply with Liza’s experience.
Star: Indeed, I know several women who faced the same challenges after stepping away to raise their children. Returning to work can be daunting.
What advice would you offer these women?
Star: I empathize with your struggles. You have as much talent and capability as those who have remained in the workforce, yet society often judges you based on age and career gaps.
How would you define our current culture?
Star: Defining culture is a complex task. I aim to tell relatable stories about the times we live in, capturing the humor and challenges we face today.
Lastly, Liza takes a lower-paying assistant role that doesn’t reflect her experience, highlighting the importance of self-worth. While the job may pay less than she deserves, it represents an opportunity for growth. Will the audience discover her true age, or will it remain a secret?
Star: That remains to be seen. You’ll have to keep watching to find out!
Originally published on April 1, 2015.
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In summary, the show Younger tackles the complexities of ageism in the workplace, particularly for women returning to their careers after a hiatus. It highlights the struggles of maintaining relevance in a fast-evolving job market and the role that social media plays in shaping professional identities.