Remember when teen dramas ruled the airwaves? When every week brought a new crisis, a will-they-won’t-they couple to root for, and enough drama to fuel countless slumber party debates? Kate Robb’s “Prime Time Romance” is like finding that beloved VHS tape you thought was lost forever, popping it into a magical VCR, and getting sucked right into the action. It’s a love letter to the glory days of The WB and a delightful exploration of what happens when our TV fantasies collide head-on with messy, beautiful reality.
Tuning In: The Plot
Brynn Smothers is having a rough go of it. Turning 30? Check. Recently divorced? Double check. Reduced to living with a roommate to keep her mortgage afloat? You bet. Her one constant comfort? Binge-watching “Carson’s Cove,” the teen soap that defined her formative years. When a mysterious birthday cake appears (because, of course, it does), Brynn makes a wish for the happily-ever-after she’s always craved.
Cue the ethereal sound effects and wavy screen transition, because next thing you know, Brynn and her roommate Josh are waking up in Carson’s Cove. Not as themselves, mind you, but as Sloan (the town sweetheart) and Fletch (the resident bad boy). Their ticket home? Make sure Sloan ends up with Spencer, the show’s dreamy lead, who never got his perfect finale kiss. Simple, right?
Um, not so much.
Welcome to Carson’s Cove, Population: Complicated
What follows is a delightful crash course in “be careful what you wish for.” Robb deftly navigates the expectations versus reality of living in a picture-perfect TV town. Sure, everyone’s unfairly attractive and the weather’s always ideal for dramatic declarations of love, but there’s also:
- The realization that being the “town sweetheart” comes with suffocating expectations
- A best friend (Poppy) who’s more frenemy than ride-or-die
- The dawning horror that your TV crush might be kind of… basic?
- A rival (Luce) who’s way more complex and likable than the show ever let on
Oh, and let’s not forget the growing attraction between Brynn and Josh that threatens to derail the entire “get home” plan. Oops.
Static or Surround Sound? The Writing
Robb’s writing crackles with the energy of a live studio audience. Her dialogue is snappy, her descriptions paint a vivid picture of small-town TV perfection (and its cracks), and she nails the voice of a millennial woman grappling with the realities of adulthood vs. the fantasies we clung to as teens.
There’s a particular joy in how she weaves in easter eggs for fellow TV addicts. From the local hangout (The Bronze—Buffy fans, rejoice!) to the annual beauty pageant that’s totally not a recycled plot device from every teen show ever (wink wink), “Prime Time Romance” feels like a warm hug for anyone who spent way too many hours in front of the TV instead of doing their homework.
Character Development: More Than Just Pretty Faces
While the premise could have easily devolved into pure wish fulfillment, Robb gives us characters with real depth:
- Brynn/Sloan: Her journey from idealization to disillusionment to self-discovery is genuinely moving.
- Josh/Fletch: The “bad boy with a heart of gold” trope gets a much-needed update. His growth feels earned.
- Luce: MVP for most improved character. Her arc from “mean girl” to fully realized person is inspiring
- Poppy: A delicious dive into how even our “best friends” on TV can be pretty toxic
Reception Issues: Some Static in the Signal
While “Prime Time Romance” is a blast overall, there are a few moments where the picture gets a bit fuzzy:
- The rules of how this TV world works can feel inconsistent at times.
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags, mirroring the “filler episodes” of many a season.
- Some readers might find the teen drama tropes a touch too familiar, even with the meta-commentary.
But Wait, There’s More! Bonus Features
Robb includes some delightful extras that had this reviewer grinning:
- An easter egg hunt for fellow TV obsessives
- A trip down memory lane of our collective TV crushes
- A recipe for possibly magical birthday cake (use at your own risk!)
The Big Finale: Is It Worth Tuning In?
Absolutely. “Prime Time Romance” is like the best kind of TV marathon – you’ll laugh, you’ll cringe (in the best way), and you might even shed a tear or two. It’s a perfect beach read, a cozy night in, or the ideal book to pass around your group chat with a “OMG remember when we were obsessed with [insert show here]?!”
Robb has crafted a story that’s both a loving homage to the golden age of teen soaps and a gentle reminder that real life, with all its messiness, is where the true magic happens. It’s about growing up without losing that spark of whimsy, and realizing that sometimes the person you’re meant to be with has been right there all along (even if they’re not the brooding guy with the great hair).
So grab your comfiest sweats, queue up your favorite 90s playlist, and settle in for a story that’s equal parts nostalgia trip and fresh, witty romance. “Prime Time Romance” is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face and a renewed appreciation for both the power of television and the unpredictable joy of real-life love.
If You Loved This, Try:
- “This Spells Love” (Robb’s debut novel)
- “One True Loves” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- “Funny You Should Ask” by Elissa Sussman
- “The Rehearsal” by Annette Christie
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch all of “Dawson’s Creek” and contemplate the life-altering power of a good hair tuck. Team Pacey forever!
