Watch Red Oaks

Red Oaks is a coming of age comedy-drama series that premiered on Amazon Studios in 2014. It follows the story of David Myers, a young aspiring filmmaker, who takes a summer job at the Red Oaks Country Club in New Jersey to earn some cash and gain experience to jumpstart his career.

The show is set in the 1980s, and it's a nostalgic look back at the era. The first season focuses on David's summer gig, where he befriends a group of employees, including Nash, the club's tennis pro, and Wheeler, his confidant and advisor. David also crosses paths with Karen, a cute and quirky tennis student, whom he develops a crush on.

David, who is played by Craig Roberts, faces a series of challenges as he navigates the country club life, including clashes with his father, Sam Myers, played by Richard Kind, who wants him to pursue a career in accounting. The father-son relationship is a significant theme throughout the series, as David tries to find his own path, while Sam struggles to come to terms with his son's aspirations.

Jennifer Grey plays Judy Myers, David's mother, who is a homemaker and a positive influence in his life. Despite the family dynamics, David is determined to pursue his passion for films and even enlists the help of Getty, a successful director and former Red Oaks member, played by Paul Reiser.

The show takes a lighthearted approach to coming of age, with plenty of humor and heart. The characters are relatable, and the cast delivers excellent performances throughout the series. The show's comedic elements are supported by its well-crafted writing, which avoids the cliches of its genre and delivers fresh, grounded stories.

The second season of Red Oaks picks up where the first left off, with David returning to college and facing new challenges in his personal and professional life. Nash is dealing with his own issues as a newly single parent, and Wheeler is finding his way as an artist. Karen also returns in a bigger role, as she and David explore their relationship together.

The show's narrative becomes more complex and nuanced in the second season, as the characters face more significant obstacles and undergo significant character development. The second season is just as entertaining and heartfelt as the first, showing us that the characters of Red Oaks have more depth than previously thought.

The third and final season shows how much the characters have grown and evolved since their first season, and how they come to terms with the changes around them. The third season covers David's graduation, and the show delivers an emotional and satisfying conclusion to the character arcs developed over the last two seasons.

Overall, Red Oaks is a charming, down-to-earth series that offers viewers a unique look into the lives of its characters. It's a well-written and expertly acted show that will make you laugh, cry, and reminisce about the 80s. If you're a fan of coming-of-age shows or are looking for something that balances humor and heart, then Red Oaks is a series worth checking out.