The 10 best new television shows of 2020
By Shaun Stacy
Best new television shows of 2020: Love, Victor
Platform: Hulu
Cast: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, George Sear, Ana Ortiz, Bebe Wood, Anthony Turpel, Isabella Ferreira, James Martinez
Love, Victor is the television sequel to 2018’s hit film Love, Simon and centers around another teenage boy named Victor (Cimino) who is struggling with his identity surrounding his sexual orientation. The series takes place at the same high school as the original movie, with Victor and Simon becoming digital-age pen pals. Simon tries to offer Victor guidance in navigating the stresses of being a teen from a religious family who is struggling with his sexuality. During his journey of self-discovery, Victor becomes friends with neighbor kid Felix (Turpel), popular girl Mia (Hilson), and openly gay classmate Benji (Sear).
Typical high school drama ensues, but what sets this series apart from other teen shows is its ability to tackle serious topics that modern teenagers face without being preachy. Most of the characters have their faults, but that’s what makes the show relatable. There’s not a weak link in this cast, with each actor able to hold their own in scenes that will make you laugh out loud or break your heart.
Yes, the series’ connection with Love, Simon is an important part, but it isn’t just a rehashing of the events that happened in the movie. This is a new story, Victor’s story, and the show stands just fine on its own two feet. Plus, the soundtrack slaps (as the kids say these days), and features a slew of LGBTQ artists.