Social Studies Season 1: Release Date, Streaming Options, and Additional Information

Social media has undoubtedly reshaped the upbringing of today’s youth, and Social Studies Season 1 dives deep into how this trend influences the lives of teenagers in the modern era.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, who is celebrated for her examination of wealth, beauty, and societal expectations, this American documentary series chronicles a year in the lives of teenagers from Los Angeles. It captures their victories, challenges, and the pressures they face in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Social Studies Season 1 had its premiere at the esteemed 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024, receiving critical acclaim, and is set to debut on television on September 27, 2024, on FX.

This series uniquely combines raw footage with candid interviews, offering viewers an inside look at how teens navigate the complexities of modern adolescence. Topics range from bullying to beauty standards, sexuality, and critical life choices, exploring the growing pains these adolescents face both offline and in the limelight of social media. The documentary provides an intimate perspective on how this generation, raised in the digital age, has matured online.

Release Date and Where to Watch Social Studies Season 1

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The eagerly awaited first season of Social Studies premieres on FX on September 27, 2024. For viewers without cable, the series will also be available for streaming on various platforms including Hulu and Disney+.

Additionally, The Roku Channel offers the complete first season for free, providing an opportunity for audiences to explore the intriguing lives of these Los Angeles teens. You can also watch the series on YouTube TV, which currently offers a free trial for new subscribers. Both platforms ensure you can stay updated with each episode as it airs.

Episode Guide for Social Studies Season 1

Social Studies Season 1 consists of five hour-long episodes, each highlighting various elements of teenage life in the digital era. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

Episode 1: Social 101 (Friday, September 27, 2024)

This opening episode familiarizes viewers with the lives of L.A. teens as they return to school after the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the new normal, revealing how social media influences their relationships and mental health. This episode sets the foundation for exploring the emotional and psychological impact of the internet on today’s youth.

Episode 2: Social Divisions (Friday, September 27, 2024)

The second episode highlights social media examples that expose issues of race and class, showcasing how young adults grapple with concepts of social mobility in both virtual and real-world scenarios. It contrasts the disillusionment of the virtual self against reality, revealing unsettling insights into the social structures within the online realm.

Episode 3: Peer/Algorithm Pressure (Friday, October 4, 2024)

This episode delves into the amplified pressures teens experience from their peers, exacerbated by algorithms prevalent on social media platforms. It focuses on the struggles of growing up in an environment shaped by likes, followers, and digital scrutiny.

Episode 4: S*x Ed (Friday, October 11, 2024)

Episode four tackles the more challenging issue of how social networks and online pornography serve as self-directed sexual education for adolescents. It examines the consequences of a guideline-free upbringing, discussing the implications for young people’s understanding of relationships, sex, and consent.

Additional Details on Social Studies Season 1

Filmed over the course of 150 days within various educational settings across the Los Angeles area — including Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles High School, and Hamilton High School — Social Studies Season 1 offers an authentic portrayal of teenage life in the wake of the pandemic.

With over 1200 hours of recorded footage, Greenfield and her team successfully encapsulated the essence of a teenager’s life in contemporary America.

As is typical of Greenfield’s work, the series confronts sensitive topics candidly, focusing on the impact of social media on self-image and mental health, while addressing societal issues such as racism, classism, and beauty standards.

Social Studies Season 1, rated TV-MA, presents an unfiltered look at the realities faced by teenagers today. Executive producers Wallis Annenberg, Caryn Capotosto, Regina K. Scully, and Andrea van Beuren bring substantial expertise to the project, enhancing the documentary’s credibility.

Mark your calendars for the premiere of Social Studies Season 1 on FX on September 27, 2024.

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