PEN15 (2019)

About PEN15

PEN15 is an edgy comedy series that was first released in 2019. This critically acclaimed TV show is set in the 2000s and unfolds from the perspective of awkward school girls going through middle school. The series stars comedians Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle who play 13-year-old versions of themselves navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence, amidst the backdrop of the turn of the 21st century. The unique facet of the show is that while all the characters are appropriately aged, Erskine and Konkle are adults.

Making / Production

The series was commissioned by Hulu and premiered on February 8, 2019. Created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman, the show aims to portray a candid and often painful portrayal of growing up. Despite playing their younger selves, both Erskine and Konkle bring depth to their characters, delivering performances that blend hilarity with heartbreaking sincerity.

Actors

• Maya Erskine plays Maya Ishii-Peters, a slightly eccentric, yet lovable 13-year-old girl. Erskine plays the role with distinctive generosity, making Maya endearing and identifiable.
• Anna Konkle stars as Anna Kone, a fellow 7th grader trying to navigate her crumbling familial relationships and the pressures of young adulthood. Konkle brilliantly portrays Anna's vulnerabilities, making her character grounded and empathetic.
• Sam Zvibleman features as Sam, offering a charming portrayal of a typical middle school boy, learning about friendships, relationships, and boundaries.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This series is semi-autobiographical, drawing upon the experiences of the creators during their school days.
• Though the main characters are portrayed as pre-teens, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle were both in their thirties during the filming of the show.
• The title "PEN15" is a juvenile joke, referring to how the alphanumeric phrase looks like the word "penis."

Awards

The series has bagged a number of nominations for The Comedy Series category at the Writers Guild of America, and Erskine's performance also earned her a nomination for Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series at the Critics' Choice Television Awards.

Quotes

• "Everything’s gonna be okay. That’s what butts are for." - Maya
• "If he hacks into your computer and steals your diary, he'll for sure know how cool you are." - Anna

Music, Soundtrack

• The teenage nostalgia trip is perfectly curated through the music in PEN15. Hit tracks from the era, including songs from Mandy Moore and Spice Girls, feature heavily in the series, infusing a sense of authenticity and relatability.
• The series' score composed by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, superbly complements the retro vibe of the show.