The NBC show Rise premiered this year and those of us who watch found a show that we didn’t know that we needed in our lives. A diverse cast tackling the issues people are afraid to face head on, including how the American class system affects students in a town suffering in the current economy. Showing teens in the beginning of their lives plan for their futures and navigate the turmoil of real life, and not typical high school tropes, teens that represent the current society: mixed teens, trans teens, in the closet teens struggling with their sexuality, foster children torn between newly sober parents and their newest foster home, alcoholism treated as an issue with rehab/therapy seen as positive, divorcing parents, single parents, dying parents, budget cuts in schools with programs shutting down... This show perfectly captures the TRUE American life. Of adults, parents, kids, teens, and of our economic climate. And it would be, it IS a disgrace to let such a show, a show that is truly amazing, fall to the wayside.

So many people find solace in knowing they aren’t alone. This show is a beacon of hope for all the marginalized, the oppressed, the invisible, that their story matters. If we, as humans, can turn our back on the truths these characters share, what does that say about the state of our society? 

So, my hope, is that someone chooses to pick up this exemplary show. NBC may have dropped the ball, but they can save it. Netflix and Hulu both support innovative shows with compelling storylines and unapologetic characters. If NBC won’t renew Rise, then I hope a streaming company can make it an original. This story is worth telling...

Our story is worth telling.

#NBCRise #RiseAgain