Grand Army

Set inside Brooklyn's largest public high school, Grand Army follows five teens as they juggle grades, friendships, and shifting identities while facing a world that pushes back. Joey Del Marco, Dominique Pierre, Siddhartha Pakam, Jayson Jackson, and Leila Kwan Zimmer navigate crowded hallways, late buses, and the constant noise of social expectations. They form a loose pact to push through obstacles, advocate for themselves, and dream of futures beyond graduation. Through classes, clubs, and after school spaces, the show probes how race, class, gender, and sexuality collide with ambition, heartbreak, and resilience in a city that rarely slows down.

Released in 2020 on Netflix, Grand Army was directed by multiple directors and created by Katie Cappiello as an original series. It builds a mosaic of perspectives centered on a diverse cast led by Odessa A'zion, Odley Jean, Amir Bageria, Maliq Johnson, and Amalia Yoo. The show uses an intimate, handheld style to capture locker room chatter, bus rides, and late night study sessions as the teens fight to be seen.

Critics noted a committed ensemble and a willingness to tackle tough issues head on. The series centers on teen voices negotiating identity, systemic inequities, and friendships under pressure, balancing hopeful moments with raw realities of urban high school life. It asks whether education and community can provide a bridge to a better future, while never shying away from uncomfortable truths about race, gender, sexuality, and class in a big city.

Its impact lies in giving a spotlight to diverse students whose stories are often underrepresented on screen. The portrayal of Brooklyn public school culture sparked conversations about education equity, student resilience, and how schools can support futures beyond a single diploma. The show resonated with students and parents who recognize their own experiences reflected on screen.

Awards: The series has not been cited for major accolades. While some viewers and critics praised the performances and timely themes, Grand Army has not secured significant nominations or wins in major industry awards.