In Max's "The Girls on the Bus," which draws inspiration from Amy Chozick's novel "Chasing Hillary," the main characters - Sadie (Melissa Benoist), Grace (Carla Gugino), Lola (Natasha Behnam), and Kimberlyn (Christina Elmore) - find themselves all assigned to the same bus. Their mission: to deliver exclusive campaign coverage of the contenders vying for the Democratic nomination in the impending presidential race.
Each of these women embodies a distinct perspective through which viewers can perceive any election, offering a character for almost every audience member—especially those engaged in watching the show—to connect with. Sadie represents liberal millennials. Lola champions the socialist candidate, actively expanding her social media presence. Grace embodies the Gen X cynicism, disillusioned by the notion of the election holding any significance. Conversely, Kimberlyn serves as the voice of centrist conservatives, compelled by her superiors at the Fox News-esque network to cover the Democrats' campaign trail.
Each of the women are relatable, wrestling with the messes they've left behind to board the bus. Grace navigates her relationship with her daughter, who is heading off to college. Sadie contends with relationship issues, particularly her involvement with a man that could complicate her professional life if discovered. Kimberlyn, newly engaged, finds herself inundated with wedding planning demands from her fiancé while trying to fulfill her job obligations on the road. Meanwhile, Lola struggles to establish her credibility, facing skepticism toward both her and her Tiktok following, all while trying to create advertising content to fund her journey on the campaign trail.
Benoist, Gugino, Elmore, and Behnam deliver stellar performances as the titular reporters, infusing the series with their remarkable talent. Each actor fully embodies their character, breathing life into them within a plot-driven narrative that often separates them into their own spheres. Their chemistry with one another is palpable, enriching the dynamics between their characters.
The series adeptly captures the myriad emotions experienced by both journalists and viewers alike as they navigate the tumultuous political landscape and anticipate the impending election. It doesn't shy away from portraying the raw, emotionally taxing nature of this period. The toll it takes on the journalists, and consequently on their personal lives, is depicted with clarity and effectiveness as they grapple with the pressure of providing the public with vital information in preparation for the upcoming (primary) election.
Overall, "The Girls on the Bus" offers thoroughly engaging television that will leave viewers entertained regardless of their reasons for tuning in.
The Girls on the Bus premieres March 14th on Max.
