When Netflix unleashed Stranger Things upon the world, it quickly became a cultural juggernaut, celebrated for its nostalgic '80s vibe and its blend of supernatural thrills with relatable teen angst. But while the Duffer Brothers' series has dominated headlines, another Netflix original quietly delivered a more intimate, more emotionally resonant take on the same formula—and it deserves far more recognition than it ever received.
I Am Not Okay With This, based on Charles Forsman's graphic novel (the same mind behind The End of the F***ing World), premiered in early 2020 to critical acclaim but was tragically canceled after just one season. The show follows Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis), a 17-year-old navigating the chaos of high school, family trauma, and the sudden emergence of telekinetic powers. It's a story that uses superpowers not as a flashy gimmick but as a metaphor for the uncontrollable, often terrifying emotions of adolescence.
A Grounded Take on Supernatural Adolescence
Unlike Stranger Things, which gradually escalated into world-ending stakes, I Am Not Okay With This keeps its focus squarely on Syd's internal world. Her powers manifest only during moments of intense emotion—anger, fear, grief—making them a direct reflection of her psychological state. This is a brilliant narrative choice, as it ties the supernatural directly to the character's growth, rather than treating it as a separate plot device.
Lillis, who broke out in the It films, delivers a performance that is raw, vulnerable, and utterly convincing. She captures the anxiety, confusion, and isolation of being a teenager who feels like a ticking time bomb. The supporting cast is equally strong: Wyatt Oleff (also from It) plays Stan, Syd's loyal and secretly lovesick best friend, while Sofia Bryant portrays Dina, the object of Syd's affection. Their dynamic feels authentic, avoiding the typical love-triangle clichés in favor of a more nuanced exploration of friendship and unrequited feelings.
Class, Grief, and the Pressure to Conform
What truly sets I Am Not Okay With This apart is its willingness to tackle heavy themes. Syd is dealing with the recent suicide of her father, a trauma her mother refuses to discuss. This silence forces Syd to bottle up her emotions, which only makes her powers more volatile. The show also touches on class resentment, as Syd is constantly reminded of her lower social standing compared to the wealthier, more popular kids at school. It's a level of social commentary that Stranger Things only hints at, making this series feel more grounded and relevant.
The show's visual style is another standout. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, who also helmed The End of the F***ing World, the series has a gritty, indie-film aesthetic that suits its tone perfectly. The use of color, lighting, and music all contribute to a sense of unease that mirrors Syd's mental state.
A Cliffhanger That Deserved a Resolution
The first season ends on a shocking cliffhanger that sets up a much larger story, one that would have explored the origins of Syd's powers and the mysterious figure who seems to know about them. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production schedules, and Netflix ultimately decided not to renew the series. It's a decision that still stings for fans, especially given the show's critical reception and its potential to grow into something truly special.
In the years since, Stranger Things has continued to dominate, but its later seasons have struggled with inconsistent stakes and an ever-expanding cast. I Am Not Okay With This, on the other hand, remains a tight, focused, and emotionally devastating piece of storytelling. It's a show that understands that the most terrifying monsters are often the ones we carry inside ourselves.
If you're looking for a sci-fi series that prioritizes character over spectacle, I Am Not Okay With This is a must-watch. It's a shame we'll never see where Syd's journey was headed, but the one season we got is a near-perfect piece of television. For more underrated gems, check out our list of Netflix finales that rewrite everything, or dive into other Netflix romance shows that are masterpieces. And if you're in the mood for more supernatural teen angst, The Glory offers a different kind of revenge-fueled intensity.
