5 powerful teen dramas that explore real struggles beyond high school
Ginny & Georgia (Netflix) This sharp-witted drama addresses complex issues including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and the immense pressure teenagers face to keep up appearances. The show thoughtfully contrasts the clashing perspectives between parents and their children, while exploring the impact of generational trauma.Notably, it highlights the importance of therapy. Initially dismissed by Ginny's mother as 'useless', therapy ultimately becomes a vital part of their healing journey, reminding viewers that seeking help isn't a weakness, but a strength.Euphoria (Prime Video)'Euphoria' is an unflinching portrayal of teenage life at its most raw. The series tackles addiction, trauma, anxiety, gender identity, and depression head-on.It also explores the damaging influence of social media, and the unrealistic expectations it sets, often leading to self-doubt and body image issues among teens. Visually striking and emotionally intense, Euphoria offers an unvarnished look at the challenges of adolescence today.Never Have I Ever (Netflix)In this coming-of-age comedy-drama, we follow Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teenager navigating high school while coping with the grief of losing her father.Themes of cultural identity, academic pressure, bullying, and racism are explored with both humour and sensitivity. The show thoughtfully reflects how balancing heritage with personal growth can be both empowering and isolating, particularly under the weight of parental and societal expectations.The Society (Netflix) A gripping dystopian tale where a group of teenagers is mysteriously left to govern themselves after all the adults vanish. 'The Society' becomes a social experiment, exploring power dynamics, leadership, survival, and the breakdown of order. It challenges the idea that life without adults is easier, showing how complex and high-stakes decision-making can be when survival and morality are at play.Adolescence (Netlfix)This emotionally resonant series highlights the mental health struggles many teenagers face, particularly in the age of social media. Feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-worth are sensitively portrayed. At its core, 'Adolescence' is a reminder of the vital role parents play. It emphasises the need for open, supportive communication, and the importance of simply being present during difficult times. For parents, it serves as both a reality check and a call to action.advertisementThese shows are more than just entertainment; they're a wake-up call. The issues they portray are real, urgent, and not taboo. Whether you're a teenager or a parent, it's crucial to recognise that seeking professional help can make a world of difference. Conversations about mental health, trauma, and identity should never be brushed aside; they should be met with empathy, awareness, and action.- Ends
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Mint
6 minutes ago
- Mint
'Wednesday' Season 2: Money lessons from the gothic, witty Jenna Ortega, who carries the Addams Family saga forward
A rich, tight-fisted grandmother; an uncle who travels all around the world but lands at the family home with a bride everyone is convinced is a gold digger; a strange and very hairy cousin; a brother you'd want to kill in a hundred different ways; parents who are so in love with one another that you want to throw up; a family so colourful that you tell people you are allergic to colour and wish to wander around in the funereal black. No, not yours, but this is the Addams Family, and we follow the adventures of Wednesday Addams in a brilliant Netflix show. The legend that is Tim Burton brought to life a family you and I have secretly thought was ours. First came the cartoons about a family that's 'creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky, all together ooky', then you grew up watching the Addam's Family. Long before I grew up, there was a TV show where you watched Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams and John Astin and Carolyn Jones as Morticia and Gomez Addams, her parents. Then you fell in love with Anjelica Husto,n who arranged roses like no one else has, since she was Morticia 'Tish' Addams, and how she danced the tango with Raul Julia: Uncle Fester, Thing, Lurch, and yes, Cousin. It was unforgettable in three Addam's Family movies. Here's a taste of brotherly love between Uncle Fester and Gomez Addams in this unforgettable song: That's why when Netflix and Tim Burton brought us Wednesday, a tale of a girl who won't fit in, who wonders whose twisted idea (it is) to put hundreds of adolescents in underfunded schools run by people whose dreams were crushed years ago… But the sadism is admirable… The show is one of Netflix's highest-watched and loved shows. Season 2 has been split into two parts with four one-hour episodes each, and the first four episodes that dropped on Wednesday, August 6, are supremely satisfying. You will look at your brother (especially because the festival of Rakhi is upon us) and smile because Wednesday says, 'No one gets to torture my brother except me.' The characters, the music, the setting, and the story keep you involved from the very first minute to the end credits of the last episode. So what money lessons can you learn from a girl who has some of the best lines delivered with deadpan sarcasm, says to you: 'Anytime I grow nauseous at the sight of a rainbow or hear a pop song that makes my ears bleed, I'll think of you."? Wednesday Addams is a proud young girl and does not care for being patronised. When you hear financial institutions single out and create promotional material targeting women for accounts, loans and other financial packages, you wish you could speak like Wednesday and tell them that you don't care to be put in a convenient box… Ability counts, not gender, isn't it? All through season one, we see Wednesday use the ancient typewriter to write a novel, which keeps getting rejected by publishing houses because they call it evil and demented. She reads the rejection letters and tells her roommate at Nevermore school that she would rather die than change a word of anything she has written. When it comes to personal finance, you too should be single-minded in trying to achieve your goals and be obsessive about finding ways to make your money work harder for you. Wednesday is very clear about who and what her competition is. She sounds terribly rude when she says that she is just better than the person challenging her. If only we could all be so confident in our lives when facing competition. You have grown up being compared with Sharma-ji-ka beta all the time. That's why when it comes to personal finance, you are always on the lookout for the best deals that will make you money. But look at how Wednesday handles her life. And you will realise that when you have a clear goal, a clear competition, then you work smarter, not harder, to beat that one person and achieve your goal faster. Wednesday realises that Nevermore - the school for Outcasts - has many secrets. And it's not just secret doorways that lead to underground passages. The school principal, Dort (Steve Buscemi), is a delightful, overly happy, and yet somehow evil man who calmly threatens siren Bianca into doing as he asks of her or else… It's a good thing then that Wednesday believes in never letting go of a grudge, or a vision of Enid's tombstone that she saw during her summer holidays as she hones her psychic abilities. Never give up is the money lesson you learn from Wednesday, and though revenge is fictional, what we learn from her figurative 'sharpening of hatchets' is that you never forgive. How often do we listen to a friend who insists that you should invest with them, and when it turns out to be a dud, you do feel awful, and you want to kill your friend for losing your hard-earned money? In real life, you can't, so you revel in Wednesday Addams, who gets away by avenging wrongs. Just remember to never again go against the advice of your personal finance manager or your gut instinct. Wednesday saves the school in season one, and in this season, she has to learn to deal with the newfound celebrity status, with juniors in school wanting to take her autograph, click pictures with her, and even stalk her. In real life, success puts you in the limelight, and everyone wants to know how you managed it. Meaningless affirmations in real life come from many who want to emulate your successes, who want advice you don't want to offer, and yes, they will 'butter you up' - like Principal Dort, commission a portrait of you for the school - because they want your money. We use the phone for many reasons, but this is a warning to not be dependent on the phone for all your money dealings. Investing in Bitcoin may prove to be profitable, but it will open you up to scams you are not yet prepared for. What you are prepared for is a super enjoyable four hours about someone who says, 'Listen, people like me and you, we're different. We're original thinkers, intrepid outliers in this vast cesspool of adolescence. We don't need these inane rites of passage to validate who we are.' If you have not experienced Wednesday, you can start with the first season and watch her dump piranhas in a swimming pool filled with school jocks to avenge her brother, Pugsley. And when you enjoy the psychos, werewolves, sirens, and the wild fun of season one, watch season two, where zombies are added to the show, and yes, Pugsley will remind you so much of Ravi Kishan that you won't be able to unsee it... Plus, you end up humming the REM favourite, 'That's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, losing my religion…' Manisha Lakhe is a poet, film critic, traveller, founder of Caferati — an online writer's forum, hosts Mumbai's oldest open mic, and teaches advertising, films and communication. She can be reached on Twitter at @manishalakhe.
Economic Times
6 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Eddie Palmieri, legendary pianist and the giant of Latin music, dies at 88 after extended illness
AP Grammy-winning salsa pioneer Eddie Palmieri dead at 88 Eddie Palmieri, the visionary pianist who revolutionized Latin jazz and salsa music, has died at the age of 88. His family confirmed he passed away Wednesday(August 6) at his home in New Jersey following an extended illness. Palmieri, known for his explosive energy at the keyboard and genre-defying compositions, was a trailblazer whose work spanned over six decades and earned him ten Grammy Awards. His death marks the end of a towering chapter in American and Afro-Caribbean music history. Born December 15, 1936, in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, Palmieri grew up surrounded by the rhythms of Afro-Cuban and Caribbean music. His classical piano training laid the foundation for a career that would ultimately break musical boundaries and reshape the landscape of Latin jazz. He founded La Perfecta in 1961, a groundbreaking ensemble that introduced a bold, brass-heavy sound by replacing traditional trumpets with trombones. The result was raw, powerful, and utterly new, what critics later hailed as a reinvention of salsa itself. Nicknamed "El Sol de la Música Latina" ('The Sun of Latin Music'), Palmieri captivated audiences with rhythmic complexity, daring arrangements, and thunderous solos that became his signature. His genre-bending 1971 album Harlem River Drive fused Latin jazz with soul, funk, and politically charged themes, cementing his reputation as not only a musical innovator but a social commentator. Palmieri made history in 1975 by becoming the first recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Latin Recording, awarded for his seminal work The Sun of Latin Music. Over the years, he amassed nine additional Grammys for albums like Masterpiece, Solito, and Palo Pa' hits such as 'Azúcar,' 'Muñeca,' 'Vámonos Pa'l Monte,' and 'Palo Pa' Rumba,' Palmieri built an enduring repertoire that remains influential across generations of musicians into his 80s, he remained an electrifying presence on stage, performing at international festivals and continuing to push the boundaries of his was married to Iraida Palmieri until her death in 2014. The couple shared a deep bond, and he frequently credited her as his greatest source of strength and inspiration. Together, they had five children: Gabriela, Renee, Eydie, Ileana, and Edward Palmieri II. He is also survived by several later-life health struggles and personal loss, Palmieri remained deeply connected to his musical roots and his family, who supported him throughout his life and career.
Hindustan Times
6 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Hrithik Roshan's 17-year-old son Hridaan forced to run to his car as paparazzi chase him, internet fumes: ‘Such creeps'
A video has been getting a lot of attention on social media, showing Hrithik Roshan's son Hridaan trying to dodge the paparazzi, with the photographers chasing him. The clip has made social media users very angry, with people tagging the incident as 'creepy' and 'harassment'. Hrithik Roshan shares Hridaan with his former wife Sussanne Khan. Hridaan runs away from paparazzi In the video, Hridaan is spotted exiting a building when suddenly, photographers call out to him. He is seen getting startled and then is seen quickly trying to escape by walking swiftly, visibly attempting to avoid their cameras. When the photographers started to follow him, Hridaan was seen running towards his car to escape the attention. The photographers are also seen behind him, with one saying, 'Pakad isko (Get hold of him)'. Later, he is seen sitting in his car, looking visibly upset and uncomfortable by the incident. The video has found its way onto social media, including Reddit, sparking a debate about the boundaries of celebrity coverage and the privacy of their families. Social media users fume Social media users weren't happy with the paparazzi's behaviour, with many calling it "invasive" and "creepy." Some criticised the photographers for chasing Hridaan, saying they should respect his boundaries. 'Paps should be notified by the police against stalking esp minors,' one wrote, with one mentioning, 'They should be notified for stalking period regardless of whether it is a minor or adult. Wish people took a stronger stance against these vultures.' 'Why would you run after a barely legal child like that!? He legit seemed a little scared and accosted,' read one comment. One angry social media user shared, 'It's so uncomfortable to watch... Bilkul sharam nahin aa rahi inhe (they have no shame)... Bloody vultures.' 'They are such creeps man,' wrote another. A disappointed social media shared, 'Poor kid. I also remember the Internet being so creepy towards his looks as a minor, lots of weird comments from clearly middle-aged women. This is literally harassment.' One comment read, 'These paps should get jailed for this creepy behaviour, all this is so scary. Indian paps have no civic sense or respect to privacy. Every one with a camera phone roaming like paps. Running after a minor child, objectifying actresses, using thrash language in clips. High time all this gets called out!! And leave that kid alone!!' 'Oh my god! Poor kid. He is being hounded. This is a way this child ran to a safe place is really sad. it's a crime to harass people like that,' read another comment. One social media user shared, 'This is the reason celebs today don't reveal their kid's faces .. some even after their kids are all grown up.' 'This is dangerous and unnecessarily putting that child in harm's way. The paps should be booked for harassment,' noted one. Others expressed concern for the young boy's well-being, writing, 'Omg this must be so terrifying for him!! Absolutely disgusting behaviour in the name of journalism.' and another shared, 'Omg, he looks terrified. So sad! The paps don't have morals??' 'This is disturbing & disgusting! Why are they chasing a kid? They need to be sued for stalking a minor,' wrote one. Another shared, 'Creepy would be an understatement here… This is literally commiting a CRIME, and recording yourself doing it!' More about Hrithik and Sussanne Hridaan is Hrithik's son from his marriage to Sussanne Khan. Hrithik and Sussanne tied the knot in 2000, right before the actor made his memorable debut with his father Rakesh Roshan's romantic reincarnation saga Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. They became parents to two sons – Hrehaan and Hridaan – in 2006 and 2008, respectively. They announced their separation and got divorced in 2014. Post that, Hrithik has been dating actor Saba Azad, whereas Sussanne is in a relationship with TV actor Arslan Goni. Recently, Sussanne spoke about her sons during a session at Reality Conclave & Awards 2025. She said that they are inclined towards creative art. Sussanne said, "Hridaan is an artist since 5 years old. He has got inborn flair for my older son is into music. He is a budding musician. He is studying at Berklee College of Music. Art, culture, and heritage are what we as Indians are and what we infuse into our children, no matter what our relationship is with our spouses'.
