Five Reasons Why You Should Be Watching ‘Good Trouble’

When The Fosters premiered on ABC Family (now Freeform) back in the summer of 2013 it was an overnight sensation. After running for over 100 episodes and 5 seasons, the series came to a close in June of last year. However, fans of The Fosters would not have to wait long before reuniting with some of the Adams-Foster clan: a spin-off following original series’ characters Callie (Maia Mitchell) and Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) as they move to L.A. debuted less than one year later.Whether you were a fan of The Fosters or not, I’m here to tell you just why you need to be watching Good Trouble.

Well-Developed Characters

Although fans of The Fosters will already love Callie and Mariana, Good Trouble is full of brand-new characters viewers will instantly want to know more about including Alice (Sherry Cola), the building manager who has yet to come out as lesbian to her parents; Malika (Zuri Adele), a Black Lives Matter activist; Gael (Tommy Martinez), a bisexual artist who is also Callie’s new love interest; and Davia (Emma Hunton), a body-positive Instagram influencer – and that only scratches the surface of the new cast of characters.While most shows would struggle with this many on canvas, Good Trouble devotes screen time to each character in ways that make you fall in love with them.

Storylines That Matter

Much like original series The Fosters, Good Trouble isn’t afraid to tackle hot button issues. The first five episodes of the season address racism, police brutality, workplace discrimination, and more. Good Trouble addresses bisexuality through the character of Gael, who is shown being intimate with both Callie and Bryan (Michael Galante). The second episode in particular centers around bisexual erasure and the stigma society still has towards bisexual individuals. The Fosters was always at the forefront of LGBTQ+ issues given the parents, Stef and Lena, were lesbians and Good Trouble continues to uphold that legacy while providing fresh perspectives. Topics like these can be controversial and even divisive, but the Good Trouble writers manage to address all of them with care – and without feeling like an after school special.

All Grown Up

Not only does Good Trouble age up the characters of Callie and Mariana, it is also decidedly a more grown up series as a whole. As viewers watch both girls begin young adulthood, it’s easy to find relatability in the struggles they each face. Good Trouble understands the complexities of twenty-something life – the good, the bad, the awkward, and everything in-between.

The Soundtrack

Everyone knows the secret to an iconic TV show is a just-as-iconic soundtrack (see: The O.C., Friday Night Lights, etc). Luckily, Good Trouble features a number of songs that enhance each episode. A prime example is Technicolor by VALA, which plays towards the end of the pilot as Callie and Mariana make strides in their respective jobs. The montage is already a powerful one, but with lyrics like Better than a work of art/’Cause we are technicolor the emotional impact is even stronger.

Cameo Appearances

Good Trouble may focus on Callie and Mariana, but fans of The Fosters will be happy to know characters from the original series appear throughout the spin-off to help the girls take on adulthood. The first season features fan-favorite characters Jude (Hayden Byerly), Stef (Teri Polo), Lena (Sherri Saum), Jesus (Noah Centineo), Brandon (David Lambert), and Jamie (Beau Mirchoff). Each cameo serves as a special treat for longtime fans of The Fosters and a reminder that family is always there when you need them most.  

Good Trouble airs Tuesdays at 8/7c, only on Freeform.