Ginny & Georgia
Feature graphic images credited to: Netflix.
When the first season of Netflix’s Ginny and Georgia came out, my older daughter was only 8 years old. I discovered the series and watched it alone. As a 38 year old mom, I definitely wasn’t a teen mom and couldn’t relate to that aspect of Georgia’s life. But as a mom (and for the most part a human lol), the story line hooked me. I couldn’t wait for the next season. Season 2 came out in 2023 and it was just as good as the first. However, my daughter asked to watch it. She was still 10 years old, but I decided to allow her to, but with me present. She’s always been on the mature side and isn’t afraid to stop watching something if she feels uncomfortable or if it makes her feel awkward. (Side note: she wanted to try out Squid Game when it first came out. She was 9 years old. Her friends were all watching and many of my much younger students were watching as well. I told her we should watch it together, and she agreed. We were midway through the second episode when she decided the show was not for her and asked to turn it off. At 13 years old, I still don’t think she’s watched it.
Soooo, with my 10 year old daughter, I sat down to watch Ginny and Georgia.
Watching Ginny & Georgia Season 1 with my then-tween daughter was eye-opening and sometimes challenging. The show tackles some adult issues—like family struggles, identity, and complicated relationships—that can feel a bit heavy for younger viewers. As a mom, I pointed out how Georgia’s fierce love for her kids sometimes lead her to tough choices, and how Ginny was trying to figure out who she is while dealing with typical tween-to-teen challenges.
This season gave me a chance to gently introduce important topics like honesty, trust, and growing up with questions and conversations at the forefront. Some scenes do require parental guidance and I made sure to let her know she can ask me to stop at any time.
From there we went right onto Season 2. Watching Ginny & Georgia Season 2 with my tween daughter felt like stepping into the messy middle of growing up and parenting. I didn’t know what to expect with each episode. The show continues to explore Georgia’s complicated past and the challenges Ginny faces with friendships, identity, and first loves — all topics that resonate with tweens starting to navigate their own feelings.
As a mom, I appreciate how the series doesn’t shy away from tough subjects but also understand the importance of watching together so I can help explain and guide her through some of the more mature themes. Season 2 sparked many important conversations about trust, independence, and the ups and downs of family life. It’s powerful and sometimes intense watch, but sharing it with my daughter helped us connect and silently allowed her to understand that I am here for her, and yes, I do know these issues exist. The fact that she was already exposed to so much and truly understood it resonated with me. What I realized, is that kids grow up fast these days and learn a lot from their friends in school (and social media). I think I felt more awkward with her than she did with me. Thankfully. Sigh.
Fast forward two years.
As I sat and watched Ginny & Georgia Season 3 with my now-teen daughter, I saw more than just the drama, I saw life closer than ever as a mom of a teen. This season dives deeper into Georgia’s complicated past and the choices she’s made to protect her family, which makes me reflect on the lengths we go to for our kids. Ginny continues to navigate her identity, mental health, and teen relationships, often mirroring the real struggles our daughters face today. While some themes are heavy and definitely require discussion (see my first What’s on my Mind? post to read why I disagree with the way one of Ginny’s struggles is portrayed—it will be a sorta spoiler if you haven’t watched yet) , the show opened the door for honest, meaningful talks between us. It’s a mix of entertainment and emotional truth — messy, raw, and real, just like motherhood and growing up.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to watch these 3 seasons with my daughter. Many of the storylines within this series have been real-life issues for her and her friends. This series is REAL. Even if you’ve missed the opportunity to watch it with your child and you know she already has (or he, though absolutely none of my male students have watched this series and have told me they have no interest in it at all lol), watch it and then discuss with her. It’s a great bonding opportunity and opens up the lines for discussion now or even in the future.
I can’t remember how long it took us to watch Seasons 1 and 2 back-to-back, but Season 3 took us three days and four sit-down sessions to finish. It’s loooong. But worth every minute of every episode.