A teenage girl discovers telekinetic powers triggered by her own volatile emotional state
In short: Sydney Novak is seventeen, grieving, and navigating the typical minefield of high school. But when her intense emotions begin to manifest as uncontrollable psychokinetic outbursts, her life shifts from standard coming-of-age drama into something far more dangerous. This dark comedy explores the messy, supernatural intersection of adolescence and hidden power.
Based on the 2017 graphic novel by Charles Forsman, I Am Not Okay with This follows Sydney Novak, a teenager grappling with the loss of her father and the complexities of her social life. The series, created by Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall, centers on Sydney’s discovery that her emotional turbulence is not just internal; it is a catalyst for telekinetic phenomena. Alongside her neighbor Stanley Barber and her best friend Dina, Sydney attempts to manage these burgeoning abilities while dealing with the pressures of school and family life in a small town.
The production, which filmed in Pittsburgh and Brownsville, Pennsylvania, debuted on Netflix on February 26, 2020. Critics largely embraced the show, noting that while the narrative occasionally risks feeling shallow, the lead performance by Sophia Lillis provides a grounded, compelling anchor. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an 87% approval rating, with reviewers often highlighting its ability to balance the awkwardness of youth with supernatural stakes. It even earned a nomination for Best Adaptation from a Comic Book or Graphic Novel at the 2020 Harvey Awards.
Despite a positive reception and an initial renewal for a second season, the show’s trajectory was abruptly halted. In August 2020, Netflix canceled the series, citing circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the production was originally ordered for eight episodes, only seven were completed. Interestingly, the series shares a creative universe with The End of the F***ing World, with subtle easter eggs suggesting the two stories occur simultaneously. This connection adds a layer of shared narrative DNA to the show's brief but impactful run.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: I Am Not Okay with This
- Also: Wikidata — I Am Not Okay With This · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — I Am Not Okay With This, season 1 · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-i-am-not-okay-with-this.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in TV series · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
