Younger has evolved over the past five seasons and is returning on Wednesday, June 12. The TV Land series began when forty-year old Liza (Sutton Foster) pretended to be a twenty-six year old assistant to re-enter the work force and a land job in publishing. Liza met her ex-boyfriend Josh (Nico Tortorella) when she lied about her age. She also met her best friend/coworker Kelsey and her boss Charles played by Peter Hermann. The stakes have been raised each season as truths have been revealed about Liza’s secret identity. The show is based on the popular book by Pamela Redmond Satran.
BlackFilm spoke to showrunner Darren Starr about writing and creating a hit tv show and what the fans can expect from the sixth season. We watched a sneak preview of the first new episode from Season 6, which begins with Liza dating Charles who is now her former boss as they both focus on their relationship. Hilary Duff’s character has now been promoted to her new position as publisher at Millennial Print.
Can you talk about the sixth season of the show? And how so many of the characters have evolved throughout the previous seasons. What can we expect to see?
Darren Starr: I feel like the show becomes less about Liza’s secret and in some measures more about the secrets that the other characters have. And I think some of these characters. They really have their own secrets. I think as a whole. The characters have all deepened and evolved. What is great about this show is it started as a woman who was lying about her age to get back into the workplace. Which would evolve into a great ensemble. There are characters that we all really care about. I think a lot of this season has to do with people who are very passionate about what they do. That is why Liza is doing what she does. I think that balance between personal and work. How do you prioritize one over the other. I think sometimes these characters prioritize work over their personal life. But work is really, really important to them. They work in an industry, publishing, that they really care deeply about but it’s not a thriving business. It’s always an uphill battle.
The series is based on a novel. Throughout each season all the stakes keep getting raised as Liza’s secret is revealed. What is it like in the writer’s room for you to come up with certain “uh-oh” moments like you do?
Darren Starr: That is what we talk about all season. We try to keep it relevant. I think we try to address things that are happening like the #Metoo movement last season. Just how what happens when a woman is in a position of power. When Kelsey is suddenly the publisher. What issues does that bring up. And how does that a challenge for her? How do people react to a woman being in power.
How did your experience working on Sex and the City help you with your insight into being an executive producer on a series like Younger?
Darren Starr: I think it is just that one show gives you experience for another. They are two different series, but I think one experience always helps with the next.
We sat in on the post screening discussion featuring the main cast and Darren Starr.
It included Sutton Foster( Liza) , Hilary Duff (Kelsey), Debi Mazar ( Margo) , Miriam Shor (Diana Trout), Nico Tortorella( Josh), Peter Hermann (Charles), Molly Bernard (Lauren) and Charles Michael Davis who are all returning for the upcoming season.
Here are some of the tidbits and spoilers that were revealed during the chat sponsored by Vulture.
Debbie Mazar on her first scene with Peter Hermann
“Debbie and Peter this was your first scene together. “ The moderator stated. “It was great. He was in my apartment naked. How lucky am I?” Debbie Mazur joked. “And he is bringing in new furniture for my roommate. I love that. I love that kind of guy. He buys her a new bed.”
Charles Michael Davis on how his character will react when he finally meets Josh
“We would become roommates and play Fortnite.” New cast member Charles Michael Davis stated. “We would catch up on Game of Thrones.” Darren Starr agreed. “They probably would become pals. I can totally see it. What I love about this show is that there are such wonderful characters that when I put them together there is a great dynamic. No matter who they are… It was so cool to see you guys because you are all such amazing individuals in life and as characters on the show. It inspires us as writers.”
Debbie Mazar on why Maggie is so skeptical of Charles?
“Because I think that I am very protective of Liza. I am also someone that has loved Josh. And seen their relationship happen. I’ve seen Liza completely vulnerable, broken and risking so much for this man. So when he walks into my home he is really good looking. He’s naked and there’s just something about him. She is really just protective of her friend.”
Debbie Mazar on Empire actress Nicole Ari Parker playing her love interest
“There is another big guest star coming.” The moderator asked. “That is Nicole Ari Parker. Is coming to play a love interest for Maggie. Can you tell us about that?”
“Nicole Ari Parker is on Empire right now.” Debbie Mazur replied. “I don’t know if you are watching. She is gorgeous. She is African-American. She has eyes as bright as mine. She is sexy. She brings it. I’m excited to have another woman of color. She is a fantastic actress. I’m so happy that she has been cast. We have a scene where it is midnight in the evening. And we are walking down 5th avenue. We are about to kiss. And I turn around and behind me is the Empire State building in all it’s glory lit up. I just love how New York City is such a character in this show. And how we celebrate New York. It was magnificent. It made our first kiss much more romantic.“
Darren Starr on whether the writer’s room is Team Josh or Team Charles
“It’s still up in the air. Team Josh or Team Charles. We are debating it right now.” “We are going to leave here and stay up until 2am to figure out this last episode. I have to say I feel like this show has legs. I hope it’s not over this season. We’re not planning for a series ender this season.”
The sixth season of Younger premieres on June 12th on TV Land.
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