Netflix's new series 'Crew Girl' introduces a fresh sport to the young adult romance genre, moving beyond the typical hockey or football narratives. The show centers on Teagan (Miku Martineau), a promising 16-year-old rower whose idyllic life is upended when her father is exposed for scamming investors out of millions of dollars.
Following the financial scandal, Teagan and her mother, Ella (Jessica Paré), are forced to relocate from Los Angeles to Ella's hometown of Eagle's Cove. At her new school, Easton Prep, Teagan discovers there is no women's crew team. Her path takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the coxswain for the men's crew team.
The series establishes Teagan's life before the upheaval, showing her as a successful athlete with supportive parents. However, this is quickly interrupted by her father's sudden disappearance and her mother's subsequent questioning by the FBI. The loss of their fortune leaves them with only Teagan's education trust, necessitating their move.
Upon arriving at Easton Prep, Teagan encounters various students, including the popular Britney Garner (Sage Linder) and her associate Amber (Alaska Leigh), as well as members of the crew team like Josh Regis (Sam Braun) and his cousin Ryder (Connor Paton). Teagan also has a meet-cute with a local student named Cam Dillinger (Kyle Clark), who becomes part of a developing love triangle.
Teagan's unauthorized use of the boathouse leads to disciplinary action, but also an opportunity to offer strategic advice to Coach Matt Hayden (Thomas Cadrot) regarding the team's stroke seat. During a town party with Cam, Teagan faces public embarrassment when Britney and Amber reveal her family's financial troubles. Her resilience is tested further when the school notifies her mother that tuition payment has been declined.
Miku Martineau leads the cast as Teagan, with Jessica Paré supporting as her mother. The series explores familiar YA tropes, including a love triangle, while introducing a new sporting backdrop and a cast of young actors. Critics have noted that while 'Crew Girl' adheres to many genre expectations, its premise and new sport make it a worthwhile watch.