Cheer Up, Baby!

I wasn’t supposed to write this review.
This series was meant to be a simple Binged & Scored, but it ended up being too good not to give it a full write-up. Sometimes, VertiLand delivers something that hits all the right notes — and this is one of those times.

✍️ Writing & Plot

Let’s be honest — the main storyline isn’t revolutionary. If you’re a fan of The Quarterback Next Door, you’ll recognize the setup: underdog girl ended up living with the confident guy (old friends), high school tension, and mean girls lurking in the background. But don’t be fooled — this is not a copy-paste job.

What makes it shine is how it refreshes the trope. The dynamic between the lead couple is completely different, and the added group rivalry gives the story real momentum. There’s purpose behind the drama, and it doesn’t rely on cruelty for cruelty’s sake.

👥 The Characters

💜 Jane

Jane is an outcast, and not in the performative “I’m not like other girls” way. She genuinely blends into the background — mostly to protect herself. It’s heartbreaking to watch her undervalue herself, but it’s also deeply relatable. We’ve all been there.

💚 William

He’s the antidote to all the red-flag male leads out there. William is confident without being arrogant, kind without being boring, and always supportive. A true Green Flag King.

💅 Sophia

She’s your classic drama queen: rich, loud, attention-hungry — and thinks money equals power. (Spoiler: it doesn’t. Nice try, though.)

👯‍♀️ Jane’s Squad

One of the most refreshing parts of this show is that Jane doesn’t fight alone. For once, the “outsiders” are more than just background filler. They become a team, and they take on the “cool kids” together. It gives the story real stakes and makes the victory feel earned. Plus, squad moments = instant rewatch value.

💘 The Romance

Absolutely adorable.

William’s crush on Jane is obvious to everyone except Jane — classic. But what I loved most was how he supported her. He challenged her in the right moments, respected her boundaries, and used their childhood rivalry to gently push her toward self-belief. He never tried to change her — he simply believed in her before she believed in herself.

And when the moment came to move from subtle crush to real relationship? He didn’t fumble. He made it count. 👏

🎭 Performance

First time seeing Halle and Noah — and wow. Both delivered authentic, warm, and emotionally layered performances. It’s exciting to see new faces in VertiLand making such a strong first impression. Here’s hoping we see them in many more series!

😂 Iconic Moment

Let’s talk about the mom leaving condoms.
It’s hilarious in the moment, but also so real. It shows that she trusts her son and genuinely cares about his relationship with Jane. We love a supportive parent with good vibes and better instincts.

📝 Final Thoughts

Another gem by Danny Farber — seriously, this man is building a catalog of hits.
This series may have started with familiar bones, but it built its own identity fast and strong. With lovable leads, real emotional payoff, and a squad you’ll root for, this one will become one of your new favorites.

It’s already one of mine.