Red Oaks

Set in suburban New Jersey in 1985, Red Oaks follows David Myers, a college student spending one last summer as an assistant tennis pro at the upscale Red Oaks Country Club. He’s coping with his father’s recent heart attack and hasn’t picked a college major, so the job becomes a place to test different identities. Surrounded by eccentric staff and wealthy members, David gets swept into flirtations with art student Skye, awkward alliances with coworkers Wheeler and Karen, and uncomfortable encounters with Skye’s father Getty. Episodes mix silly clubroom antics and tender family moments as David moves toward adulthood without tidy conclusions.

Created by Joe Gangemi and Gregory Jacobs, Red Oaks premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2014. The show leans into 1980s production design and music, and it features Craig Roberts, Alexandra Socha, Paul Reiser, Oliver Cooper, and Gage Golightly in key roles.

Though it never became a mainstream hit, Red Oaks developed a devoted following for its faithful 1980s vibe, wardrobe choices, and period soundtrack. Viewers who like retro settings often praise its attention to small details, from hairstyles to clubroom leisure, and many cite its warm depiction of a specific suburban social scene as part of its charm.

Audience response has been largely favorable, reflected in a vote average near 7.35 out of 10 from viewers. Reviewers and fans tend to note the series’ steady balance of comedy and drama, its focus on class differences at the country club, and the way it handles first love, ambition, and family stress. Craig Roberts’ performance gets frequent mention for bringing a quiet honesty to the role, while supporting players add unpredictable comic energy.

Red Oaks didn’t rack up major awards, but it found a steady audience on streaming platforms and continued beyond its first season. Its reputation rests more on word of mouth and a loyal fanbase than on industry trophies, and it remains a touchstone for viewers looking for lighthearted, character-driven 1980s nostalgia.