Finding Her Edge: Netflix's New YA Drama Drops This Week
The Summer I Turned Pretty fans searching for their next binge-worthy obsession should mark their calendars for Netflix's latest offering. Finding Her Edge, a new young adult drama series, is set to premiere on the streaming platform this week, drawing immediate comparisons to popular teen shows like Prime Video's The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Premiere Details and Streaming Information
Finding Her Edge makes its highly anticipated debut on Netflix this Thursday, January 22. Unlike some streaming releases that stagger episodes, Netflix will drop all eight episodes of the first season simultaneously for immediate binge-watching. UK viewers can access the series from 8AM GMT, a departure from the typical midnight release schedule many streaming services employ.
The series arrives as Netflix continues to expand its YA content library, offering subscribers another compelling drama in the vein of successful predecessors. For those without Netflix subscriptions, Sky is currently offering a promotional deal that includes a free Netflix subscription with its Sky Stream TV bundles, starting from £15 per month for the Essential TV plan.
Plot and Storyline Elements
Created by Jeff Norton, who previously produced Netflix's Geek Girl adaptation, Finding Her Edge centers on the Russo sisters, three young women who are heirs to a struggling figure skating dynasty. The narrative follows middle sister Adriana Russo, a seventeen-year-old competitive figure skater training for the World Championships with her new partner Brayden.
The series explores familiar YA territory with fresh twists, as Adriana navigates complicated romantic feelings while her family's skating rink faces financial difficulties. The official synopsis reveals that Adriana still harbors feelings for her first love and former partner, Freddie, even as she enters a new partnership with Brayden. To secure a crucial sponsorship that could save their family business, Adriana and Brayden pretend to be a couple off the ice, creating additional layers of emotional complexity.
Like The Summer I Turned Pretty, the series balances romantic entanglements with family drama, creating a compelling mix that has proven successful in the YA genre. While the ice-based sport element draws some comparison to hockey dramas like HBO's Heated Rivalry, the emotional core and character dynamics align more closely with Prime Video's popular summer romance series.
Cast and Rising Stars
Finding Her Edge features an ensemble of rising talent, led by Canadian actress Madelyn Keys in the pivotal role of Adriana Russo. This marks a significant career opportunity for Keys, whose previous credits include a supporting role in Prime Video's mystery series Three Pines. The series could establish her as a breakout star in the competitive YA television landscape.
Cale Ambrozic portrays Brayden Elliot, Adriana's on-ice partner and fake boyfriend. Viewers familiar with recent teen thrillers might recognize Ambrozic from his role as Blake Beaumont in the adaptation of We Were Liars. Completing the central love triangle is Olly Atkins as Freddie O'Connell, Adriana's first love and former skating partner. Atkins brings experience from his role in Disney+'s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
The casting reflects Netflix's strategy of blending emerging talent with actors who have established fan bases in similar genres, potentially attracting viewers from multiple demographics.
Genre Positioning and Audience Appeal
Positioned squarely within the popular YA drama category, Finding Her Edge combines several elements that have proven successful with streaming audiences. The figure skating backdrop provides visual spectacle and athletic drama, while the romantic complications and family dynamics offer emotional depth that resonates with younger viewers.
The series arrives at a time when YA adaptations continue to perform strongly across streaming platforms, with The Summer I Turned Pretty demonstrating particular staying power on Prime Video. Netflix's entry into this space with a winter sports theme offers seasonal appeal while maintaining the emotional core that defines successful YA programming.
With its complete season drop strategy, compelling premise, and promising cast, Finding Her Edge represents Netflix's latest attempt to capture the YA audience that has proven so valuable to streaming services. The combination of sports drama, romantic entanglement, and family legacy storytelling creates multiple entry points for viewers seeking their next streaming obsession.
