Everyone is Talking About 'Normal People' and This is Why it Deserves the Hype

Everyone is Talking About 'Normal People' and This is Why it Deserves the Hype

Pop Culture

July 21, 2020

Ever since lockdown began, it seems like everyone has been talking about BBC Three's Normal People. Adapted from Sally Rooney's bestselling novel of the same name, Normal People is an Irish TV series that has grabbed the world's attention. Documenting the profound effect of first love, this 12-parter has fast become an online sensation. Being hailed the series of COVID-19, the hype surrounding Normal People saw more than 370,000 tune-in to this generation-defining love story.

If you haven't watched it yet, you must have been living under a rock. In fact, don't even bother adding it to your to-watch-later-list, you need to watching immediately! Only be sure not to watch it with your parents. With more sex scenes in it than you can count and SO much nudity, Normal People is certainly not for the faint-hearted – or the prudish…

But if you want to tune-in to a compelling look at the lasting intensity of young love, Normal People is a show for you. Normal People tells the story of Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron as they weave in and out of each other’s love lives, beginning with their final days of secondary school, to their undergraduate years at Trinity College Dublin. Coming from contrasting backgrounds and social groups these love-birds share a passionate attraction that transcends class distinction and life’s challenges.

Normal People obsession is a real thing and it’s infected both sides of the Atlantic. Although airing on the British BBC, celebrities such as James Cordon, Katy Perry and Kourtney Kardashian are hailing the show as one of the best they have ever seen. So why is Normal People so popular and why does it deserve all the hype?

1. Steamy Sex Scenes

Oh yes, there is no denying that the sex scenes in Normal People are probably one of the hottest to have graced BBC Three in years! Connell and Marianne’s relationship begins as a purely physical one and boy does it heat up throughout the series. With a total of 41 minutes of sex over just 12 30-minute episodes, some scenes have even made it to adult sites it is just that sexy.

2. It’ll Make you Want to Travel to Ireland

From the beaches of County Sligo to the cloistered campus of Trinity College Dublin, Normal People is an advertisement for visiting Ireland. In fact, the marketing co-operation Tourism Ireland has even used behind-the-scenes footage of Normal People to promote post-COVID-19 holidays. With shots of Marianne and Connell walking along scenic Atlantic coastline, and backdrops featuring the mountainous Ben Bulben, Tourism Ireland hit the marketing jackpot with this clever tv collaboration.

3. You’ll Want to Transfer to Trinity

When intelligent Marianne and Connell both get accepted to the prestigious Trinity College Dublin, university life begins driving Normal People’s plot. And it certainly does look beautiful! The 16th-century University features as the predominant location, with shots of Connell studying in the infamous Berkeley Library and Marianne socializing in its historic courtyards.

The effect of this hit TV series has not gone unnoticed by the institution. Trinity College Dublin has reported an 11 per cent increase in applications following Normal People’s release. There have approximately been more than 40,000 applicants this year compared to last.

4. Marianne's Fringe

If there is anything you’ll take away from Normal People, it will be a desire to copy Marianne’s bangs. There is no denying that Normal People will for-sure give you major hair envy. Marianne’s bangs steal the show.

When we first encounter the awkward and lonesome Marianne at school, we see her micro bangs complement her shy and rather unconventional personality. Come university, we see Marianne’s bangs grow into an edgier, more Bohemian style to match her reinvented persona. Marianne’s style transformation, with her brow tickling bangs and wavy locks, is set to become the hair of the entire millennial generation.

5. Connell's Chain

Just like Marianne’s bangs, you will fall in love with Connell’s chain. The silver chain that heart-throb Connell Waldron wears, will make you find him even sexier than he already is! It even has its own Instagram account it’s become so iconic.

Peeping out ever so slightly from his collar, this silver chain craze has seen @connellschain reach a staggering 187k in followers. And it’s no wonder when this instagram account features 69 totally beautiful images of actor Paul Mescal wearing the infamous piece of man jewelry. Head over today and see the chain in all its glory.

6. All the Celebs are Watching it

Celebs have been going mad for this Irish 12-parter. Talking about Normal People’s impact, James Corden tweeted “I honestly think it may have changed my life”. Irish comedian Chris O’Dowd posted, "If anyone in them United States needs something to watch, may I recommend 'Normal People' on Hulu. Utterly beautiful."

Even the most emotionless of celebrities, Kourtney Kardashian, took to social media to praise the TV drama. Posting on Instagram, Kourtney wrote the simple caption: “This show” next to a heart emoji. Katy Perry even poked fun at the raciness of the show by tweeting: “The show should be renamed: ‘We Have Much More Sex Than NORMAL PEOPLE'”.

So although lockdown might be nearly over, this COVID-19 antidote is still available for streaming. That being said, if you’re sensitive to mental health issues, be sure to skip episode 10. When Connell gets depressed, it gets super emotional.

But carefully addressed mental health issues aside, Normal People is definitely worth a watch. Each episode is only 30 minutes long. That means it is next-level binge-worthy – not that you will be able to resist knowing what happens next in Marianne and Connell’s turbulent relationship. Or, in fact, having to wait for the next love scene!

Tia Byer

Writer since Feb, 2020 · 3 published articles

Tia Byer is a recent Master's graduate in American Literature from the University of Edinburgh. When she isn't writing for The Teen Magazine, she is busy creating content for her blog entitled 'Feminism Through Cinema and Literature'.

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