The only love triangle on television that actually deserves your attention is, surprisingly, the one from a show called 'Younger.' One viewer summed it up perfectly: 'I thought this would be my laundry-folding show, but it's too good for that.' That single sentence captures why the Darren Star-created series, which aired from 2015 to 2021 on TV Land and later Paramount+, has become a cult favorite for its handling of romance.
Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) is a 40-year-old single mother who, after struggling to re-enter the publishing world, decides to pose as a 26-year-old. This central deception drives the show's most compelling element: her love triangle with Josh (Nico Tortorella), a charismatic young tattoo artist, and Charles (Peter Hermann), the sophisticated, older publishing executive who also happens to be her boss. The show ran for seven seasons and 84 episodes, culminating in a finale that forced Liza to choose between the two men.
The context is crucial. In an era where love triangles are often lazy contrivances, 'Younger' uses the triangle to explore themes of authenticity, ageism, and second chances. The secret of Liza's real age hangs over every romantic moment. Neither man is a villain. Josh represents the freedom and impulsiveness of youth; Charles represents stability and shared life experience. The audience is genuinely divided—a rare feat in television.
Key details include the creators' deliberate pacing: the triangle wasn't resolved until the final season. Critics noted that the show's willingness to let Liza's relationships develop organically made the eventual choice feel earned rather than arbitrary. The series also boasted strong supporting characters and a sharp, witty tone that balanced the emotional stakes.
Analysis from cultural observers points to the show's ability to treat all three participants with empathy. It avoids the tired trope of pitting women against each other (the 'other woman' trope is cleverly subverted) and instead asks what genuine happiness looks like for a woman at any age. This nuance is why the 'Younger love triangle' remains a talking point years after the series finale.
Looking ahead, the show benefits from streaming discovery. New audiences on Paramount+ and Netflix (in some regions) are encountering Liza's dilemma for the first time. As discussions about age representation in media continue, 'Younger' stands as a blueprint for how to make a love triangle more than just a plot device. The laundry may remain unfolded, but the viewing experience is unforgettable.
Culture
↑ Positive
In Praise of 'Younger,' the Show With the Only TV Love Triangle Worth Talking About
I thought this would be my laundry-folding show, but it's too good for that.
Liz Kocan
CNET
2 min read
3/10
New York City
Key Takeaways
- Sutton Foster's Liza Miller lies about her age (she's 40, not 26) to get a job in publishing, creating the central tension of the show.
- The love triangle spans all 7 seasons (84 episodes) with no resolution until the 2021 series finale.
- Nico Tortorella's Josh is a young tattoo artist; Peter Hermann's Charles is the older publishing executive—both are fully fleshed-out characters, not caricatures.
- Critics and viewers often cite the triangle as the best on TV because it treats all parties with dignity and avoids typical romantic tropes.
- The show originally aired on TV Land before moving to Paramount+, and its streaming availability continues to attract new fans.
"I thought this would be my laundry-folding show, but it's too good for that."
Frequently Asked Questions
Younger follows Liza Miller, a 40-year-old single mother who pretends to be 26 to get a job in the competitive publishing industry. The show explores her career, friendships, and a famous love triangle.
The love triangle involves Liza (Sutton Foster), Josh (Nico Tortorella)—a young tattoo artist, and Charles (Peter Hermann)—the older publishing executive who becomes her boss.
Yes. Despite its premise, Younger is a smart, funny, and emotionally resonant show. The love triangle is particularly well-crafted, making it more than background entertainment.
In the series finale, Liza chooses Charles. The show builds to this decision over seven seasons, making it a satisfying conclusion to the central romantic arc.
Younger ran for seven seasons from 2015 to 2021, totaling 84 episodes. It originally aired on TV Land and later streamed on Paramount+.
Unlike many TV love triangles, Younger treats all three characters with depth and empathy. Neither man is demonized, and the audience can see valid reasons for both relationships. The slow burn and realistic stakes elevate it above typical romantic drama.
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Original source
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