Sarah Lampert

Joining me on this episode of Writers at Work is Sarah Lampert, writer, executive producer and creative force behind Ginny and Georgia, the smash hit now in its third season on Netflix. Sarah is a bit of a miracle in today's media landscape. As I understand it, Sarah wrote the pilot during a writing class.

This is her first program. I'll ask her to tell us how Ginny and Georgia came to be. I said smash hit a few seconds ago. How smash? In its second season launched in 2023, Ginny and Georgia was the most watched show on Netflix from January into June of that year; one episode achieved 162 million hours viewed and was in the top 10 list in 88 countries. But popularity is one thing and quality is another. For the uninitiated, Ginny and Georgia is the story of a family trying to find its place.

Ginny is a 15-year-old who is whip smart and sensitive. Her younger brother Austin is a sweet magnet for bullies. And Georgia, who had Ginny at 15, is rebuilding a life after suffering abuse by men. Her assets are a quick wit, bottomless resolve and sexy charm. All three leads are abetted by a large cast of complex characters, most of whom are at least as imperfect as we all are and beset with problems worthy of a daytime soap opera.

But Ginny and Georgia is much more than a soapy pastime, especially when we are with Ginny, who is experiencing high school life and what appears to be a social and sexual minefield. Sarah and the writers room keep several always believable, if incredible, plots moving forward. I found myself deeply engaged during several heartbreak scenes. And I should add, there's ample humor and murder in the mix.