There is a reason why IMDb put this eight-episode series on its “shows to watch this week” list.
The Runarounds is a brilliant mix of storytelling and music perfect for people who don’t listen to music a lot and for people who live for it.
Trust me, I’m not just saying this because I had the chance to interview two of the amazing actors from the show.
What blows me away is that most of the actors who play members of the band who are also the central characters are first-time actors. You would never know it. They’re fantastic on screen, but as musicians? They’re unbelievable.
The Runarounds was created by Jonas Pate, the same mind behind Outer Banks, and it’s set in North Carolina.
A week before graduation, Charlie (William Lipton) is desperate to break into the music scene before he’s stuck going to college. His band is falling apart Neil (Axel Ellis) doesn’t care much, Topher (Jeremy Yun) already has his sights on Princeton, and Pete (Maximo Salis) can’t even show up on time. Refusing to give up, Charlie takes control. He kicks Pete out of the lineup and makes him the band’s manager instead, then revamps the group with a new name and fresh talent: Bez (Zendé Murdock) on drums and Wyatt (Jesse Golliher) on guitar.
The show doesn’t just focus on the band it dives into family dynamics too. Wyatt’s story is especially raw, with his mother (played by Dani Deette) struggling with mental illness and unable to fully support him. There’s also a tender romantic subplot between Charlie and Sophia, the valedictorian and childhood friend who quietly shines as the band’s songwriter.
I also love the creative touches the grainy old cameras, snapshots, and voiceovers that give the show a nostalgic and personal feel. The music itself is genuinely good, not just filler. These songs are performed with heart, and you can feel how much talent these actors bring to both acting and music. Critics who dismiss that are missing something.
The literary nods like the Little Women reference were a clever touch that genuinely made me smile, Oh and how they have song The Climb from Miley Cyrus.
Some reviews have been unnecessarily harsh. Variety even called it “a complete waste of time,” claiming the show is littered with random characters and events that don’t matter. Honestly, that’s unfair. These are 18-year-old kids chasing a dream, fumbling through life, and figuring themselves out. Of course, it’s messy that’s exactly what makes it real.
No, the script isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a young adult drama with music at its core, and it’s fun, heartfelt, and worth your time. If you give it a chance, you’ll see there’s much more soul here than the critics are giving it credit for.
The Runarounds is now streaming on Amazon Prime.