Young Love

The wonderful and welcome news is that West Side universe of the Young family has been expanded by Cherry into a Max Original animated series that gives voice to the nuclear family (the original short was almost fully mimed) in terrifically laugh-inducing and endearing and warm fashion.

By combining the elements of a family sitcom with the accessibility of animation, the show is able to tap into a particular universal truth: that we are all trying to strive for a better life for ourselves and our loved ones.

Young Love is funny and heartwarming, and it doesn’t try to do more than show a young family trying their best to build their lives together, despite setbacks.

It’s a thoroughly charming, hilarious, and often thoughtful continuation of the beloved short. Examining many social and generational topics in an underrepresented Black-millennial lens, this heartfelt series is a pure delight for families everywhere.

Charming but not treacly, the series starts off strong and I appreciate the straight-faced comedy that’s occasionally laced through it.

Young Love is a humorous and, at times, thought-provoking show. It sports a great cast, fun animation, and a dope soundtrack. Some of its positive messaging isn’t as impactful as one would hope due to a reserved approach to the show’s weightier themes. That said, it still manages to be an entertaining animated series that’s worth recommending.