Review: The Carrie Diaries

by Julie O’Melia

Are you a fan of the 80s?  Big hair, vibrant colors, and shoulder pads? Do you like to laugh out loud? If you answered yes, then The Carrie Diaries is the show for you. Based off of the best-selling, fictional book series written by Candace Bushnell The Carrie Diaries tells the tale of a fashion-forward teenage girl named Carrie Bradshaw.  Before she was the ultra-chic icon, played by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was a spunky teenager from a quaint suburban town in Connecticut. She was just a high school girl with big city dreams, a talent for writing and a passion for fashion.  It’s Carrie Bradshaw like you’ve never seen her before.

The story begins with Bradshaw mourning the loss of her beloved mother and struggling to help her father as he attempts to raise his two vastly different daughters on his own. In order to help Carrie cope with her loss, Carrie’s father, Tom Bradshaw played by Matt Letscher, scores her an internship at a law firm in Manhattan, New York.  This is where the ambitious teen falls head-over-heels in love with the city and secretly secures an internship at the highly esteemed Interview Magazine behind her father’s back. With her close- knit group of best friends by her side Bradshaw takes on the adventures of high school, love, and dreams. Dorrit Bradshaw, Carrie’s younger sister is portrayed by young actress Stefania LeVie Owen. The youngest Bradshaw is a sharp-tongued, moody, and unique individual that often gets herself into some sticky situations.  Although young, Owen embodies her conflicted character with the confidence of someone who has been acting all her life.  Bradshaw’s bad boy, love, interest “Sebastian Kidd” is played by Austin Butler.  The hunky Hollywood star does a spectacular job in assuring his character is both genuine and dreamy.  Bradshaw’s role is tackled by budding actress Anna Sophia Robb.  The blonde beauty is both talented and charismatic.  Robb is best known for starring roles in Bridge to Tarabitha and Soul Surfer.

While some kids might have been too young for the mature content of Sex and the City during its reign, this series is perfect for teenage girls to get to know the fictional icon that is Carrie Bradshaw. Teens at Woburn High simply rave about the show. Sophomore Jen Duran, says “The Carrie Diaries is my new favorite show. My favorite part of the show is the fashion, I love seeing all of the bright and funky styles of the 80s.” 

            Duran brings up a crucial element in the show.  The fashion in the series is a huge part of captivating the audience and truly getting to understand the critical role that fashion played in Bradshaw’s future career as a columnist in Manhattan. The stylists on the show do a fantastic job of having Robb sport bright colors, funky sweaters, and of course that big 80’s hair.  Since the premiere of the show, the 80s fashions have come back in a big way.  Neon colors are all the rage, and High Schools often put together neon-themed dances. The much anticipated season two premiere of the series aired on October 25 and it is strongly encouraged to check it out. Anna Sophia Robb will light up your television screen with her charisma, and poise.  It’s Carrie Bradshaw like you’ve never seen her before, five-stars for The Carrie Diaries.

Adds for the new show, The Carrie Diaries, can be found in multiple teen magazines. Photo by Julia O'Melia