Hulu's hit series PEN15 captured the essence of growing up in the early 2000s with its cringe comedy and relatable coming-of-age humor. The show, created by and starring Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, played on their own real-life experiences as they portrayed middle school versions of themselves. The series received praise for its honest and irreverent approach to humor, as well as its uncomfortable realism. Despite production challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PEN15 remained popular and concluded with its second season, ending on a high note.