Beneath the designer shoes, impeccable makeup and sleek hair,TV series “The Bold Type” is a stellar example modern day feminism and the portrayal of life in the era of snapchat and social media. Set in the glamorous office of “Scarlet” magazine, lead characters Sutton, Jane and Kat are three twenty-something best friends trying to work their way up the ladder.
Kat, the director of social media at Scarlet, is full of energy and confidence, until she meets Adina, a lesbian, Muslim photographer who also happens to have a girlfriend. This whirlwind romance is a rollercoaster of emotions and Kat discovers that her sexuality is not what she had thought it to be. Sutton is in a romantic dilemma of her own; she’s involved in a steamy affair with Richard, one of the board members. They sneak around the office, adding to the fun, spontaneous element of their relationship, especially when they decide to take it to the next level.
Aside from romance, the series also deals with real life issues such as whether to take a job with higher pay or one you have dreamt about. Self growth, friendship and modern day feminism make the series relatable to everyone, despite the designer clothes on even those with very low salaries. As a comedy, “The Bold Type” takes a light hearted approach, portraying serious issues through romance and jokes. The dialogue is fun, quirky, and impactful, and the girls show amazing chemistry when sharing the screen, and are just as effective in solo scenes.
Meghann Fahy (right) and Katie Stevens from a scene in 'The Bold Type' IMDB
It is hard to pick a personal favorite in terms of character. They are all extremely likable, but Jacqueline the editor-in-chief of Scarlet and a mentor to the three girls, stands apart from the rest. She initially comes off as intimidating and even unapproachable. With her confident aura, short hair, and elegant high heels, she is everything you would imagine a woman in a position of power to be. However, as the show progresses, we get a glimpse to the more vulnerable side to her. She is on a first name basis with all her employees, which hints at the comfortable work environment at Scarlet. She is a maternal figure in the series, providing the leading characters with protection, advice, guidance and inspiration, while keeping her mysterious aura and simultaneously demanding respect.
The show also highlights the impediments of journalism despite its light-hearted approach. Jane faces may obstacles as she tries to make her mark in the world of political journalism, the greatest being she works at a fashion magazine. She still makes do with what she has and, with support and encouragement from Jacqueline, she goes on to write a successful piece on a congresswoman despite being denied a political interview.
Overall, The Bold Type is a very fun and insightful TV series. It holds a relatively unique position with its female majority cast, including the lead actors. Toxic rivalries or “catfights” stereotypically associated with women are left out of the show, and despite there being romance in the series, it does not hold a central position. Instead, the focus is on friendship, self growth, career choices and following your dreams even if it may not be the easiest path. A breath of fresh air, The Bold Type is sure to leave you crying, laughing and inspired, breaking many stereotypes about women and portraying them in a new, more appropriate and relatable light. Get ready to feel empowered, this is a show that is definitely worth your time.
