“Younger” has developed a passionate following since its 2015 debut on TV Land. Now in its fifth season, the Sutton Foster-led dramedy about a woman who lies about her age to get a job has managed to tackle timely issues at every turn. At a recent event featuring members of the cast and its creator, Darren Star, at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Foster was asked about#MeToo and its potential impact on the show and her character, Liza. “#LizaToo” is the name of this season’s premiere — the series certainly isn’t shying away from the movement. The episode saw an important client of the publishing house Liza works for outed as a sexual harasser on the night of the famous sci-fi author’s next book announcement.
Foster was happy with the writers’ decision to tackle the issue making headlines around the world. She told the audience, “It was interesting because Liza was put in that position when her boss said to her, ‘You can tell us the truth, but it will destroy the company.’ What is the right thing to do? Liza’s first instinct was to say no, that it was okay, he’s just a dirty old man. Then she realizes it is not okay, and [her boss] Charles does the right thing even though it’s the hard thing. It was awesome to be a part of that.”
Given “Younger’s” title and premise, it’s unsurprising that the series addresses ageism head on. Foster said that when she started the show, she didn’t understand the concept of ageism, and even now at age 43, she still hasn’t personally dealt with the issue. “When I first started doing the show, the concept of ageism was new. I had always been very cool with my age. I had never wanted to chase youth. I’m always super excited about what’s ahead. I don’t want to play the girl fresh off the boat, and I’m super excited about what characters lie ahead of me,” she explained.
When asked about the evolution of Liza, Foster emphasized that her character has been progressing and more readily claiming her power. “The stakes for her, whether or not she wants to protect her work, are important. She’s not a victim. She’s just, this is who I am, the way that Charles treats her. She’s not a victim, she’s like, ‘I have to do this but this does not define me. I am more than just this lie.’ [In episode seven] he sees her with her daughter and as a full woman, and that helps.”
Several characters have become privy to Liza’s real age over time. Charles is the latest to find out, though you can certainly expect word to spread this season. His discovery was an indirect result of the #MeToo movement, having found out the truth by coming down hard on the famous author portrayed in “#LizaToo.” In Foster’s opinion, the scene at the coffee counter between them in episode seven changes everything. “When I tell Charles that my daughter is why I did what I did [pretend to be 26 years old], that’s a really important thing and it is a huge changing point in our relationship.”
Season 5 of “Younger” airs on TV Land on Tuesday nights at 10pm.
