Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama I Am Not Okay With This, which became one of Netflix’s most beloved yet tragically short-lived supernatural teen series that left fans demanding more.
Premiering on Netflix on February 26, 2020, this coming-of-age black comedy series was created by Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall, based on the 2017 graphic novel of the same name by Charles Forsman. The series stars Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, Sofia Bryant, and Kathleen Rose Perkins in a story that blends teenage drama with supernatural elements. I Am Not Okay With This consists of just 7 episodes, each averaging 25-30 minutes in length, making it perfect for binge-watching in a single sitting. Originally planned for 8 episodes, only 7 were produced, and despite its popularity, Netflix canceled the series in August 2020 due to COVID-19 complications and budget constraints.
The series follows Sydney Novak, an emotionally turbulent teenage girl who discovers that she has psychokinetic powers that are triggered by strong emotions. As the series progresses she aims to gain control over her powers while navigating the complicated relationships of her life. What makes this show exceptional is how it uses supernatural elements as a metaphor for the overwhelming emotions and powerlessness that define the teenage experience.
Sydney’s Explosive Journey of Self-Discovery
Sophia Lillis delivers a career-defining performance as Sydney Novak, a 17-year-old girl struggling with anger management, family trauma, and discovering her sexual identity while dealing with telekinetic powers that manifest during emotional stress. Sydney is a teenage girl navigating the trials and tribulations of high school while dealing with the complexities of her family, her budding sexuality, and mysterious superpowers just beginning to awaken deep within her.
Lillis, known for her role as Beverly Marsh in Stephen King’s “It,” brings incredible depth to Sydney’s character, capturing the raw intensity of teenage emotions amplified by supernatural abilities. Her portrayal shows how adolescent anger, confusion, and heartbreak can literally become explosive when you have telekinetic powers. Sydney’s journey of self-acceptance includes grappling with her sexuality and her unrequited feelings for her best friend Dina, adding layers of authenticity to her coming-of-age story.
Dina and the Complexity of Teenage Friendship
Sofia Bryant shines as Dina, Sydney’s best friend and secret crush, whose relationship with Sydney forms the emotional core of the series. Angsty Syd navigates high school awkwardness, family drama and an unrequited crush on her best friend while trying to rein in her budding superpowers. Dina represents everything Sydney desires but feels she can’t have – popularity, confidence, and the freedom to be herself without fear.
The chemistry between Bryant and Lillis creates some of the series’ most poignant moments, exploring the complicated dynamics of friendship when one person harbors romantic feelings. Their relationship drives much of Sydney’s emotional turmoil and, consequently, her power manifestations, making Dina both Sydney’s anchor and her greatest source of internal conflict.
When Powers Meet Teenage Drama
The series builds to explosive climaxes where Sydney’s inability to control her emotions literally creates chaos around her. The most powerful episodes occur when typical teenage situations – school dances, family arguments, romantic rejection – become dangerous when combined with telekinetic abilities. These moments brilliantly illustrate how overwhelming adolescent emotions can feel, using supernatural elements to externalize internal struggles.
The season finale delivers a shocking cliffhanger that sets up major developments for Sydney’s powers and her understanding of their origin. Unfortunately, this cliffhanger was never resolved due to the series’ cancellation, leaving fans with one of Netflix’s most frustrating unfinished stories.
Supporting Cast and Small-Town Drama
Wyatt Oleff, reuniting with Lillis from the “It” films, plays Stanley Barber, Sydney’s quirky neighbor and potential love interest who provides both comic relief and genuine emotional support. Kathleen Rose Perkins delivers a nuanced performance as Sydney’s mother, Maggie, a single parent struggling with her own demons while trying to understand her daughter’s increasingly erratic behavior.
The supporting cast creates an authentic small-town atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and claustrophobic, perfectly capturing the environment where teenage emotions can feel magnified and escape seems impossible. The series excels at showing how family trauma and social pressures compound the already difficult experience of adolescence.
Netflix Success and Tragic Cancellation
I Am Not Okay with This was an incredibly underrated fantasy show that deserved more, largely due to Sophia Lillis’ outstanding performance. In one season, I Am Not Okay With This rewrites the classic powered-teen premise, adding a queer lead and a phenomenal performance by Sophia Lillis. The series holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb and was praised by critics for its authentic portrayal of teenage struggles.
Despite positive reviews and a passionate fanbase, Netflix canceled the series in August 2020, citing complications from COVID-19 and budgetary concerns. Of all of Netflix’s frustrating cancellations, we’re still struggling with the cliffhanger ending of I Am Not Okay With This. The cancellation sparked significant fan outrage, with many considering it one of Netflix’s most disappointing decisions.
A Supernatural Gem Cut Short Too Soon
If you love authentic coming-of-age stories that blend supernatural elements with genuine teenage struggles, I Am Not Okay With This is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. Despite its abrupt ending, this beautifully crafted show offers an unforgettable exploration of adolescent rage, identity, and the power of accepting yourself exactly as you are.
Why This Canceled Series Still Matters
I Am Not Okay With This succeeds because it treats teenage emotions with the gravity they deserve while using supernatural elements to externalize the internal chaos of adolescence. This brilliantly crafted series offers viewers a chance to see their own teenage struggles reflected through Sydney’s explosive journey, even if that journey was cut tragically short.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 7 episodes (1 season, originally planned for 8)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2020
Current IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Coming-of-Age, Black Comedy, Supernatural Drama
Status: Canceled after 1 season
Protagonists: Sophia Lillis (Sydney Novak), Sofia Bryant (Dina)
Supporting Cast: Wyatt Oleff (Stanley Barber), Kathleen Rose Perkins (Maggie Novak)