Hulu’s Prom Dates is nothing new—far from it. In fact, it’s a very funny streaming comedy. It just puts very likable young leads and supporting characters into a modern spin on teenage comedy. From the very beginning, the young stars have terrific comedic chemistry, along with a story that offers some authentic teenage curiosity in their sexuality.
Then, top that off with some unapologetic nerdiness, and just enough raunch to keep things from getting too sappy and sweet for their own good.
The story starts with the main characters, Jess (Ginny & Georgia’s Antonia Gentry) and Hannah (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’s Julia Lester), when they become teenagers. At 13 years of age, they make a pact that, no matter what happens, they will be there for each other and support one another. Then, when the time comes at the end of their senior year, they will have the perfect prom.
However, when the time comes, the best friend’s plans fall apart within 24 hours of the life-altering event before the big dance. Jess’s boyfriend (Jordan Buhat) cheats on her, dashing her hopes to become the prom king and queen. Also, Hannah comes to the realization that she is gay, running out of her boyfriend Greg’s (The Goldbergs’ Kenny Ridwan) room, leaving him heartbroken. This also leaves Hannah confused and looking (and lusting) for the girl of her dreams.
Hulu’s Prom Dates is directed by Kim O. Nguyen (With Love) and written by D.J. Mausner (Puppy Love, Insecure). The script has a nice mix of earnestness and raunchy comedy that works. For one, the buddy chemistry between Lester and Gentry is delightful, not to mention the support they show each other. One, Lester’s character defends her BFF’s honor from any threat, no matter how mild. Also, Gentry’s character supports her best friend’s sexuality, which has been a nice trend of late in comedies.
You then have the raunch, starting almost immediately with a disastrous blood oath and replacing the tired cliche of vomiting over someone with a new level of grossness that will cause one or two big belly laughs. Then, supporting actors like John Michael Higgins and Ridwan—you may notice they are the same dorky character—can not help but be funny but also heartwarming. There are not many characters you don’t actively root for because they are so kind-hearted and thoughtful.
Prom Dates is far from perfect since it offers nothing new, even the modern trappings of viewing a teen comedy through post-pandemic social lenses. There are far better teen comedies like Booksmart or Blockers, but those features have far larger budgets and endless reach, so the film takes chances to make you laugh. For instance, the nonsensical scenes with an Italian college-age serial killer are very clever and delightfully amusing.
If anything, the winning comedic situations and charming performance from Lester make Prom Dates an irresistible streaming comedy for a new generation.
Prom Dates is available to stream exclusively on Hulu.
Hulu's Prom Dates is raunchy and very funny modern teen comedy with a performance from star Julia Lester.
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I am a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. However, I still put on my pants one leg at a time, and that’s when I often stumble over. When I’m not writing about movies, I patiently wait for the next Pearl Jam album and pass the time by scratching my wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. I was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs, but I chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. You can also find my work on InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Hidden Remote, Music City Drive-In, Nerd Alert, and Film Focus Online.
