Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Red Oaks, which premiered on October 9, 2015 and became one of Amazon Prime’s most charming and underrated comedy-dramas that perfectly captures the spirit of 1980s teen movies while delivering genuine heart and humor.
The first season was released on Amazon Prime Video on October 9, 2015, with the second season released on November 11, 2016, and the third and final season released on October 20, 2017. The series ran for three seasons with 10 episodes each, created by Joe Gangemi and Gregory Jacobs. The show stars Craig Roberts as David Myers and features Jennifer Grey, Ennis Esmer, Richard Kind, and Gage Golightly in supporting roles.
A coming-of-age comedy set in the “go-go” 80s about a college student enjoying a last hurrah before summer comes to an end and the future begins. David, a college student, begins working at Red Oaks, a Jewish country club in New Jersey during his summer break in 1985, exploring themes such as adolescence, relationships, socioeconomic mobility, and the pursuit of happiness in a mostly comedic fashion against the backdrop of the New York–New Jersey area in the 1980s.
Summer of ’85: A Young Man at the Crossroads
Red Oaks follows 20-year-old David Myers takes a job as an assistant tennis pro at the predominantly Jewish Red Oaks country club in New Jersey and tries to figure out what kind of life he wants to lead. In the summer of 1985, David Meyers takes a job as a tennis pro at Red Oaks Country Club in suburban New Jersey, as his parents, girlfriend, and co-workers pull him toward a future he’s increasingly unsure he wants.
The series masterfully captures the feeling of being at a crossroads in life, where family expectations, personal dreams, and social pressures all compete for influence. David’s summer at Red Oaks becomes a journey of self-discovery as he encounters different social classes, generations, and perspectives that challenge his assumptions about what constitutes a successful life.
David Myers: The Reluctant Accountant
Craig Roberts delivers a nuanced performance as David, a college student majoring in accounting who gets a summer job as a tennis instructor for the club but harbors secret dreams of becoming a filmmaker. His character represents the universal experience of young people torn between practical career paths and creative aspirations.
David’s journey throughout the three seasons shows him gradually finding the courage to pursue his authentic interests while learning valuable lessons about class, privilege, and the complexity of human relationships. Roberts brings both vulnerability and determination to the role, making David’s struggles feel genuine and relatable.
The Country Club: A Microcosm of American Society
The Red Oaks Country Club serves as more than just a setting – it becomes a character itself, representing the social dynamics and cultural tensions of 1980s America. The club’s members, staff, and visitors create a rich tapestry of personalities that allow the series to explore themes of wealth, tradition, ambition, and belonging.
Through David’s interactions with everyone from wealthy club members to fellow working-class employees, the series examines how socioeconomic differences shape relationships and opportunities. The country club setting provides the perfect backdrop for both comedy and drama, allowing characters to collision in unexpected ways.
When Dreams Meet Reality: The Final Season’s Resolution
The series builds to David’s ultimate decision about his future, particularly in the third and final season when it’s the summer of ’87 and change is in the air at Red Oaks. David is chasing his dream to become a director in NYC, while other characters face their own major life transitions and the club itself faces uncertainty about its future.
These climactic episodes explore how young people eventually must choose their own paths, even when those choices disappoint or surprise the people who care about them. The series excels at showing how authentic self-discovery requires both courage and the willingness to accept the consequences of following your heart.
Underrated Gem Despite Critical Acclaim
Red Oaks was consistently praised by critics and earned an impressive 7.9 rating on IMDb, yet it remained one of Amazon Prime’s most underrated original series. The show was noted for its authentic period detail, strong ensemble cast, and its ability to balance nostalgia with genuine character development.
The series found particular success with viewers who appreciated its Dirty Dancing inspiration and its unashamed embrace of 1980s coming-of-age movie tropes. Red Oaks proved that familiar formulas could still feel fresh when executed with heart, humor, and attention to character detail.
Perfect Nostalgic Comfort Viewing
If you love 1980s nostalgia and coming-of-age stories with heart, Red Oaks is the perfect series to binge on Amazon Prime. This isn’t just superficial period comedy – it’s a thoughtful exploration of class, ambition, and the courage it takes to choose your own path in life.
Why You Should Watch: Sometimes Growing Up Means Disappointing Others
Red Oaks reminds us that authentic adulthood requires making choices that align with our true selves, even when those choices challenge other people’s expectations. It’s a series that celebrates both the innocence of youth and the courage required to become who you’re meant to be.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 30 episodes (3 seasons of 10 episodes each)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Release/End Year: 2015-2017
Current IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Status: Completed
Main Characters: Craig Roberts (David Myers), Jennifer Grey (Judy Myers), Richard Kind (Sam Myers)
Supporting Characters: Ennis Esmer (Nash), Gage Golightly (Skye), Oliver Cooper (Wheeler)