Phoebe Robinson’s ‘Everything’s Trash’: A Hilarious and Honest Dive into Millennial Messiness on Freeform
Comedian and cultural icon Phoebe Robinson is making a grand entrance on Freeform with her highly anticipated brand-new series, Everything’s Trash. Premiering on July 13, this exciting new show sees Robinson not only starring but also serving as an executive producer, bringing her unique voice and comedic genius to the small screen. Inspired by her acclaimed bestselling book, Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay, the series promises a relatable and uproarious exploration of navigating adulthood in a world that often feels, well, trash. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Phoebe Robinson about the thrilling journey of transforming her literary success into a television phenomenon, delving into the intricacies of book adaptation, the show’s romantic interests, and much more.
For fans of Phoebe Robinson’s witty observations and candid storytelling, the news of Everything’s Trash hitting Freeform is a cause for celebration. Her distinct perspective on life’s absurdities, her struggles, and her triumphs has resonated with countless readers, and now, a wider audience will experience her charm and sharp humor in a new, dynamic format.
From Bestseller to Binge-Watch: The Adaptation Journey of ‘Everything’s Trash’
The transition from a beloved book to a live-action series is always a delicate dance, and Phoebe Robinson embraced this challenge with enthusiasm. “I knew I definitely wanted to have my own TV show, but I never thought I would adapt it from a book,” Phoebe shared with HollywoodLife, reflecting on the unexpected path to the series. Her excitement about this new venture is palpable, fueled by the anticipation of both satisfying her existing readership and captivating new viewers. “So it’s been really exciting, and I’m so pumped. I think that people who read the books are going to be fans of the show, and hopefully, the show will reach a wider audience and people who’ve never heard me before will really get into it as well.”
Adapting a deeply personal and observational book like Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay for television presented a unique opportunity to expand on themes, characters, and storylines. While the book offered an intimate peek into Robinson’s mind, the series allows for a visual and collaborative exploration of her world. This adaptation isn’t just a rehash; it’s an evolution, a chance to bring the vibrant energy and poignant humor of her writing to life through performances, settings, and dynamic interactions. The goal is clear: to maintain the authentic voice that made the book a hit, while simultaneously making it accessible and engaging for those discovering Phoebe Robinson for the very first first time.
Meet TV Phoebe: The Endearing Mess Navigating Modern Life
At the heart of Everything’s Trash is Phoebe, a 30-something podcaster who embodies the chaotic yet charming essence of navigating modern life. Her journey is far from polished, characterized by the endearing messiness that many millennials can instantly relate to. The real-life Phoebe Robinson emphasized that the show will delve into a spectrum of contemporary issues, all filtered through her signature comedic lens. “The series features Phoebe, a 30-something podcast navigating her messy life. The real-life Phoebe noted that the show will definitely hit on money issues, funny dating stuff, local politics.” These aren’t just background elements; they are integral to her character’s daily struggles and triumphs, providing fertile ground for both humor and genuine insight.
The series is committed to a raw and unfiltered portrayal of Phoebe’s life, promising plenty of moments that are both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly vulnerable. “We’re really trying to find a way to make that interesting and fun as well. I think people are really going to fall in love with these five characters and the friendships they have. It’s going to be a lot of TV Phoebe being messy. You might see some pixelation. There might be a boob popping out, so who knows? I think it’s going to be real fun and funny and a little wild, but I think it’s going to be a good time,” Robinson teased. This commitment to showing the unvarnished reality of her character, complete with all its awkwardness and unexpected revelations, is a cornerstone of the show’s appeal. It reflects a desire to move beyond sanitized portrayals of young women and offer something genuinely authentic and refreshing.
The Heart of the Show: Family and Friendship Dynamics
The Unbreakable Sibling Bond
A central and particularly compelling storyline in Everything’s Trash is the relationship between Phoebe’s character and her brother, Jaden. While heightened for comedic and dramatic effect, this sibling dynamic is deeply rooted in Robinson’s real-life experiences. Phoebe explained that the on-screen relationship is “a little more heightened than how it is in real life. But my brother and I have just been double trouble ever since we were kids, and we’re pretty close.” This genuine connection serves as an emotional anchor for the series, exploring the complexities of family ties and mutual reliance.
When the series kicks off, viewers will find Phoebe’s character in a state of endearing disarray, embracing her unique way of navigating the world. “She’s a little bit of a mess. She’s kind of just doing her thing. That’s always kind of worked for her. It’s certainly worked for the podcast because the podcast’s successful,” Robinson shared. However, her antics begin to spill over into her brother Jaden’s meticulously organized life. Jaden is presented as the more “put together” sibling, creating a dynamic contrast that fuels much of the show’s narrative. “I think throughout the series, you really want to show that even if you do have it all ‘put together,’ you still have ways that you’re flawed, that you’re messy. You get to see that neither of them are perfect, but they really need each other because they bring out the best in each other.” This mutual journey of growth and acceptance underscores the profound message that perfection is an illusion, and true strength lies in supporting each other’s imperfections.
Robinson expressed her enthusiasm for exploring this specific dynamic. “Phoebe loved exploring this brother-sister relationship like that because I don’t think you necessarily see that as the prominent relationship in a show like this. I think it’s cool to see that she has her moments where she’s sort of on it and he’s not. It’s surprising for both of them, so I think that’s what we can expect throughout this first season.” This fresh take on sibling relationships as a primary focus sets Everything’s Trash apart, offering a rich tapestry of love, conflict, and unwavering support that resonates deeply.
A Circle of Support (and Chaos)
Beyond the sibling bond, the series promises a vibrant ensemble of characters who form Phoebe’s close-knit circle of friends. Their interactions provide additional layers of humor, emotional support, and relatable chaos as they navigate their twenties and thirties together. These friendships are not just background elements; they are vital to Phoebe’s journey, reflecting the importance of chosen family in an often-turbulent world. The interplay between Phoebe and her friends will undoubtedly showcase the different ways individuals cope with life’s curveballs, offering both comedic relief and genuine moments of connection.
Behind the Scenes: Blending Reality and Fiction for Authentic Storytelling
One of the most exciting aspects of Everything’s Trash is its unique blend of personal experience and collaborative creativity. Phoebe revealed that the show’s storylines are a compelling mix, with approximately “60 percent from my life and 40 percent bringing stuff in from the room.” This collaborative approach in the writers’ room ensures a rich tapestry of narratives that feel authentic while also offering universal appeal. Robinson shared a personal anecdote that found its way into the series: “Like when I graduated college, I was trying to find a job at a film company, so I worked on this political campaign for Tom Suozzi when he was running against Eliot Spitzer. I did the canvassing and the phone banking. There’s a nice sort of plotline with canvassing in the show that’s really funny and silly. I think it’s a good combination.” This meticulous blend of lived experience and imaginative storytelling creates a narrative that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant, grounding the show in a sense of reality that viewers will appreciate.
Romance and Relatability: Dating in the Digital Age
Beyond her podcast career and her playful shenanigans with friends and family, Phoebe’s character will also navigate the often-hilarious and sometimes-heartbreaking world of modern romance in the first season. “I think we’re going to have fun watching her not only focused on her podcast career and her shenanigans with her friends, but you’re going to see her have some cute little dates and smooches. It’s nice,” she teased. These romantic escapades will undoubtedly add another layer of relatability and humor to the series, exploring the trials and tribulations of dating in the digital age from Phoebe’s unique perspective. From awkward first encounters to budding connections, the show will depict the full spectrum of romantic experiences, all while maintaining its signature witty tone.
The inclusion of romantic storylines ensures that Phoebe’s journey is multifaceted, touching upon various aspects of a young woman’s life. It promises to be an honest portrayal, steering clear of overly romanticized narratives and instead focusing on the genuine, often clumsy, and ultimately endearing search for connection. Viewers can expect to see Phoebe making questionable choices, experiencing heartwarming moments, and learning valuable lessons about love and self-worth, all contributing to her overall growth throughout the season.
Capturing the Soul of New York: More Than Just a Backdrop
The setting of Everything’s Trash is as vital to its identity as its characters. The show was filmed entirely on location in the vibrant and diverse landscape of New York City, with a deliberate focus on showcasing authentic Brooklyn neighborhoods like Sunset Park, Crown Heights, and more. This intentional choice speaks volumes about the series’ commitment to realism and its desire to celebrate the city beyond its most commercialized facades.
“We really want to give that sort of life and vibrancy that Brooklyn has. I think a lot of times when people shoot shows in New York, it’s like, we’re just going to show gentrified Williamsburg or Soho, Tribeca, and I’m like, there’s so much more here than just those areas. We really want to celebrate them and honor them,” the comedian passionately stated. This commitment to depicting the true, multifaceted essence of Brooklyn elevates the setting from a mere backdrop to a living, breathing character in itself. It highlights the cultural richness, the everyday struggles, and the indomitable spirit of the communities that make New York City truly unique. By focusing on these less-frequented but equally vital areas, Everything’s Trash offers a fresh and authentic visual narrative that mirrors the genuine and often messy lives of its characters.
The decision to film in these specific locations underscores a broader theme of authenticity that permeates the entire series. Just as Phoebe’s character grapples with real-world issues and imperfections, the show’s physical environment reflects a grounded reality. It’s a conscious effort to move away from idealized portrayals and embrace the gritty, beautiful, and often chaotic truth of urban life, making the show even more relatable and engaging for a diverse audience. The vibrant street scenes, local businesses, and diverse community members glimpsed throughout the series will not only enrich the viewing experience but also serve as a tribute to the undeniable charm and complexity of Brooklyn.
A Must-Watch for Authentic Comedy and Relatable Chaos
As Everything’s Trash prepares for its premiere on Freeform, it stands out as a promising new series that blends sharp humor with heartfelt authenticity. Phoebe Robinson has masterfully translated her unique voice and experiences into a television show that is both genuinely funny and deeply relatable. From navigating money woes and dating mishaps to exploring the complex dynamics of family and friendship, the series offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a young woman finding her way in the world. With its commitment to genuine characters, an honest portrayal of urban life, and Robinson’s undeniable comedic talent, Everything’s Trash is poised to become a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good laugh and a story that truly reflects the beautiful messiness of life. Don’t miss the chance to dive into Phoebe’s world – you might just find a piece of yourself in it.