Netflix Summary:
The virginal Tracey, who was raised in a strictly religious Tower Hamlets flat, is ready to realize her potential. And the first step is having sex.
FYA Summary:
At 24, Tracey lives a sheltered life with her religious family in the Tower Hamlets housing estate. She has a steady job and a loving — well, a boyfriend. But Tracey’s starting to want more. And at the top of the list is having sex for the first time.
Familiar Faces:
Michaela Coel as Tracey
Tracey tends to overcompensate for her inexperience and insecurities with confidence and bravado. She’s always so EXTRA — and yet still extremely endearing. (Her love of Beyoncé and bright clothes probably doesn’t hurt.)
Danielle Walters as Candice
BFF Candice’s much-needed reality checks balance out Tracey’s overactive imagination, and their longtime friendship is one of the best parts of the show. (I also have a soft spot for her relationship with sensitive boyfriend, Aaron.)
Susan Wokoma as Cynthia
Content with playing Ludo* with her family for the rest of her life, Tracey’s sister Cynthia is definitely an acquired taste. I initially found her grating, but I ended up loving her by the end of Season 2.
*I have no idea how to play Ludo (it kind of looks like Aeroplane Chess or Sorry), but I will now forever associate it as the game of the repressed.
Shola Adewusi as Joy
Not to infantilize a grown-ass woman, but Tracey’s mom is totally adorable. Even if she’s all about evangelizing to anyone who’ll listen.
Robert Lonsdale as Connor
Sweet as he can sometimes be with Tracey, Connor’s still the most basic of white boys.
Olisa Odele as Ola
Ola becomes more prominent as Tracey’s friend in the second season, essentially stealing every scene that he’s in.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Bingeworthy
With only twelve total episodes, a complete bingewatch wouldn’t be much longer than a non-LoTR movie trilogy marathon. The show is short and sweet — but also raunchy, as it’s unafraid to go balls out for a joke. (Although not literally. But, um, close.) So choose your viewing buddies wisely, and prioritize anyone who’s down for emergency dance parties set to the theme song (sung by Michaela Coel herself!).
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Minimal(ish)
Those who have a low threshold for secondhand cringe might want booze on standby, but drinking any kind of beverage is potentially dangerous with the show’s plethora of legitimate laugh-out-loud moments.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Excellent
Outrageous, hilarious, and insightful, you kind of need this show in your life.
