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Social media has undeniably transformed the way young people grow up, and Social Studies Season 1 takes an in-depth look at how this phenomenon plays out in teenagers' lives today.
Directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, known for her explorations of wealth, beauty, and societal pressures, this American documentary series chronicles a year in the life of Los Angeles teenagers, capturing their triumphs, struggles, and challenges in an increasingly digital world.
Social Studies Season 1 first premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024, to critical acclaim and is scheduled for its television premiere on September 27, 2024, on FX.
Through its unique blend of raw, real-life footage and candid interviews, the series takes viewers inside the lives of teens as they navigate the complexities of modern adolescence. From bullying to beauty standards, s*xuality, and life-altering decisions, these teens deal with the growing pains of life both offline and in the spotlight of social media. The documentary provides an intimate view of how this generation, raised in the digital age, has grown up online.
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Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Social Studies Season 1. Reader discretion is advised.
Release date and where to watch Social Studies Season 1
The highly anticipated season 1 of Social Studies will be available on FX, with the first episode airing on September 27, 2024. For those without cable, they can also stream the series on various platforms such as Hulu and Disney+.
The Roku Channel offers the first season for free, allowing viewers to dive into the captivating world of these Los Angeles teens. Additionally, you can watch the series on YouTube TV, which provides a free trial for new subscribers. Both platforms make it easy to keep up with each episode as they air.
Episode guide for Social Studies Season 1
Social Studies Season 1 consists of five hour-long episodes, each shedding light on a different aspect of teenage life in the digital age. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Episode 1: Social 101 (Friday, September 27, 2024)
The first episode introduces viewers to the lives of L.A. teens returning to school post-COVID. As they navigate the new normal, they share their lives and phones, exposing how social media has impacted their relationships and mental health. This episode sets the stage for the emotional and psychological exploration of how the internet affects teenagers today.
Episode 2: Social Divisions (Friday, September 27, 2024)
In the second episode, the audience sees in examples of social media how issues of race and class will be more evident and unresolved. Young adults, after followers or the celebrity culture, have to deal with the concept of social mobility in the virtual realm and the real world. This episode foregrounds the disillusionment of the virtual self against the real self, presenting shocking details of the social system in the virtual world.
Episode 3: Peer/Algorithm Pressure (Friday, October 4, 2024)
In this episode, the concern about being pressured or coerced by their peers is taken to another level due to the systems that pervade most social media websites. This episode centers on the plight of growing up in a world where there are likes, followers and most of all, pressure in the form of algorithms.
Episode 4: S*x Ed (Friday, October 11, 2024)
Episode four addresses the more difficult issue of how social networks and online p*rn act as self-initiated s*x education for teenagers. The effects of this child-parenting without rules have been addressed, with unfavorable consequences on how young people handle relationships and s*x and ask for or give consent for s*x.
More details on Social Studies Season 1
Social Studies Season 1 was filmed over 150 days in the teenage settings of schools around the Los Angeles community, which included Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles High School, and Hamilton High School.
With the capture of 1200 hours of footage, Greenfield and her work team had enough capture material to effectively depict a teenager's life in post-pandemic America.
As expected with any of Greenfield’s past endeavors, the series is not gentle on its audience and covers very sensitive topics. It focuses on teenage social media and its impact on self-image and mental well-being, as well as societal aspects such as racism, classism, and beauty ideals.
Social Studies Season 1, which carries a TV-MA rating, portrays the realities of teenagers without missing a beat. Executive producers Wallis Annenberg, Caryn Capotosto, Regina K. Scully, and Andrea van Beuren also contribute well to the production since their experience is more reassuring than any other documentary.
Social Studies season 1 is set to air on FX on September 27, 2024.
