Millennials, it’s prime streaming season with so many reboots of our favorite teen comedies. With these new versions of classic favorites, though, the question is whether they’re worth watching or not. With a few new faces and a grown-up storyline, it was hard to know if Zoey 102 was going to stick the landing.
Familiar Faces
One of the biggest draws for watching the reboot was bringing back a cast we know and love. Zoey 101 fans will be thrilled with the extensive cast crossover between the two. While there are some notable faces missing from the cast, these actors picked up their characters again without missing a beat. Like the true professionals they are, the cast is able to embody the silly humor of the original show while still showing that their characters have grown up and are dealing with adult problems. Even when some of the issues are reminiscent of adolescence (like, for example, love lives), there is a distinct mature edge to tackling them.
It’s also worth pointing out the incredible chemistry these actors still have. After so many years off-screen, we wouldn’t have been surprised if there was a lack of connection. Fortunately, the cast had honed their craft over the last 15 years and let their acting chops take center stage.
Familiar Story
The film follows an adult Zoey Brooks (Jamie Lynn Spears) as she navigates a pitiful love life, a demanding career as a television producer, and watching her friends and family settle into their adult lives. It’s clear that Zoey is feeling a little lost, especially when her best friend asks her to be the maid of honor at her wedding, which will be attended by former classmates and Chase (Sean Flynn), her old flame. Zoey must balance her duties as the maid of honor, secretly work her job, maintain her fake relationship with her fake boyfriend, and reconnect with her old friends. Easy, right?
Jamie Lynn Spears in ‘Zoey 102’
As expected, Zoey runs into problems trying to balance the many pieces of her real and fake lives. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic with ex-boyfriend Chase keeps you rooting for them even as they both feign disinterest. There’s something so relatable about watching Zoey try to figure out what more life has to offer while still trying to keep up appearances of a happy life. Even as the life she has built starts to crumble, the unwavering love and support of her friends, paired with her ability to always land on her feet, leaves Zoey walking away from the destruction better than ever.
Stream or Skip?
Call us nostalgic, but this is a stream for us. Zoey 101 fans will love this trip down memory lane. The characters are better than ever, the plot is expected but fun, and many of the feelings Zoey has around life and love are deeply relatable. Even if you’re not a huge Zoey 101 fan, this is a fun watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it perfect for easy watching. This show embodies the same comfort of a low-stakes teen drama but is still entertaining and engaging with dynamic interpersonal relationships. We definitely recommend taking a chance on this rom-com.
Zoey 102 is streaming now on Paramount+.
