The US web series “Gossip Girl” is a reboot of the original series that aired from 2007 to 2012. The reboot, which premiered on HBO Max in 2021, is set in the same universe but follows a new generation of New York private school teenagers. Here’s an overview of the main characters and the storyline:
Main Characters:
- Julien Calloway (played by Jordan Alexander):
- Role: The queen bee of Constance Billard, an influential Instagram influencer.
- Personality: Charismatic, ambitious, and seemingly flawless, but with underlying vulnerabilities.
- Zoya Lott (played by Whitney Peak):
- Role: Julien’s half-sister, who is new to the Upper East Side.
- Personality: Kind-hearted, intelligent, and socially conscious, navigating the complexities of her new environment.
- Obie Bergmann IV (played by Eli Brown):
- Role: Julien’s boyfriend and one of the richest students at Constance Billard.
- Personality: Kind and socially aware, often involved in activism.
- Max Wolfe (played by Thomas Doherty):
- Role: A pansexual student known for his hedonistic lifestyle.
- Personality: Charismatic, rebellious, and unapologetically himself.
- Audrey Hope (played by Emily Alyn Lind):
- Role: Julien’s best friend who is dealing with personal family issues.
- Personality: Elegant, thoughtful, and loyal.
- Aki Menzies (played by Evan Mock):
- Role: Audrey’s boyfriend, who is exploring his sexuality.
- Personality: Gentle, introspective, and artistic.
- Luna La (played by Zión Moreno):
- Role: Julien’s stylist and one of her closest friends.
- Personality: Fashion-forward, strategic, and loyal to her friends.
- Monet de Haan (played by Savannah Smith):
- Role: Another of Julien’s close friends who is also her PR manager.
- Personality: Ambitious, sharp, and fiercely protective of Julien.
Storyline:
The rebooted “Gossip Girl” series picks up nearly a decade after the original blog went dark. A new generation of New York private school teenagers is introduced to the social surveillance of Gossip Girl through a new social media account.
- Reigniting Gossip Girl: The new series starts with a group of teachers at Constance Billard and St. Jude’s, led by Kate Keller, reviving the Gossip Girl persona on Instagram to regain control over the entitled and misbehaving students.
- Julien and Zoya’s Relationship: Central to the storyline is the complex relationship between Julien Calloway and her half-sister Zoya Lott. Julien, the reigning queen of the social scene, initially sees Zoya as a threat but gradually their sisterly bond develops amidst the drama.
- Social and Personal Issues: The series explores various contemporary issues such as social media influence, identity, privilege, and power dynamics. Characters like Obie struggle with their privilege, while Max explores his pansexuality and Audrey deals with family turmoil.
- Romantic Entanglements: Love triangles and romantic complications are central to the series. Julien’s relationship with Obie is tested, especially with Zoya’s arrival. Audrey and Aki face challenges in their relationship as they navigate personal growth and sexual exploration.
- Gossip and Power Plays: The new Gossip Girl account stirs up drama, secrets, and betrayals among the students, mirroring the themes of the original series. The students grapple with the consequences of Gossip Girl’s posts, which often reveal their darkest secrets.
The reboot maintains the essence of the original series, focusing on the glamorous yet tumultuous lives of privileged teenagers, while updating the narrative to reflect modern social issues and the pervasive influence of social media.
