Younger began as a little show on TV Land, only to emerge as the network’s longest-running original in history. It appeals to fans of all ages, has a funny yet thought-provoking storyline, and features a great cast.
With the series ending after its seventh and final season, fans are eager to find out what happens with Liza both personally and professionally. Will Empirical survive with Charles’ antiquated ways in a digital world? And can Maggie emerge again after being “canceled?”
A big part of what draws fans to Younger is the cast of talented actors that help make it believable. Like many other shows from today, Youngercould not have existed before social media. That said, had it been made in the ’90s with some modifications to suit the times, who could have made up the cast of talented actors from that period?
Liza Miller: Sarah Jessica Parker
One of the “it” actors of the ’90s was Sarah Jessica Parker, who began starring in another New York-set Darren Star series, Sex and the City, back in 1998. Her character Carrie Bradshaw went on to become one of the most iconic characters in television history.
Parker was in her 30s in the ’90s but could easily have believably pulled off playing a 40-year-old woman pretending to be a 20-something-year-old young woman, just as Sutton Foster does as Liza. Indeed, Foster herself, who helped make the character better and better over time, was actually 40 when Younger debuted with its inaugural season.
Kelsey Peters: Jennifer Aniston
If that whole Friends thing didn’t work out for Aniston in the ’90s, this could have been a hit show for her, too, as the ambitious, driven, smart, and career-focused Kelsey. In her 20s in the ’90s, Aniston would have been at the perfect age to play Kelsey, who is played by Hilary Duff.
It would ultimately come down to the chemistry between her and Sarah Jessica Parker. Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff are great together on camera, so it would take two very talented actors to be able to pull off the same believable bond with so many great friendship moments between them.
Maggie Amato: Vivica A. Fox
Maggie is one of the most relatable and fun characters on the show. She says what she means, and she means what she says. She is unapologetically herself, a great friend, and a source of comfort for everyone she meets.
But she is also fiercely independent and afraid of commitment. Vivica A. Fox has a diverse resume of roles that include everything from soap operas to blockbuster movies and TV series. In the ’90s, that included shows like Out All Night opposite Patti LaBelle. The on-screen attitude and fun personality she has demonstrated on camera in other projects mirrors that of Debi Mazar’s on this show.
Josh: Rob Lowe
In the ’90s, one of the first celebrities people thought of when naming a dark-haired, chiseled, classically handsome man was Rob Lowe. Add some tattoos to his arms and the long-time actor would have made a great Josh. Nico Tortorella helped create the most likable character on the show, and Lowe could definitely do the same.
Sure, Lowe was already in his 30s in the ’90s. But considering he continues to have a youthful look even at 57, he would have easily pulled off a 20-something-year-old at the time. Lowe had lots of roles in the ’80s, so one like this could have marked an earlier switch to television than he expected. Lowe indeed did switch to television at the end of that decade when he began to star in The West Wing in 1999.
Diana Trout: Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange can play just about any character imaginable. One of the most versatile and talented actresses in Hollywood, at 72, she continues to secure leading roles.
In the ’90s, Lange starred in a variety of iconic films like Raging Bull and Cape Fear, and did work on Broadway. This quirky role of the hilariously closed-off Diana, played by Miriam Shor, would have given her the perfect trifecta, adding television to her resume too.
Charles Brooks: Pierce Brosnan
Charles is the stereotypical rich, dapper head of a publishing company whose idea of dressing down is loosening the top button of the shirt under his three-piece suit. But there’s also a fun edge to him that only a select few ever get the chance to see.
Physically, the description is Pierce Brosnan to a tee, but for the fact that Peter Hermann, who plays Charles now, is 6’5” whereas Brosnan is “only” about 6’1”. Of course, Brosnan was pretty busy during the ’90s playing another dapper, far more dangerous character, James Bond. But if that role never fell his way, he would have made a perfect Charles.
Lauren Heller: Kathy Griffin
Lauren, played by Molly Bernard, adds a lot of fun and personality to the show. During the ’90s, that fits well with Kathy Griffin, who was performing stand-up comedy at that time. But she already had television experience as well on series like Suddenly Susan, which gave her credibility as an actor, too.
This would have been a perfect role for Griffin to show off her comedic timing, fast-talking skills, and ability to pull off some very quirky and adventurous outfits.
Zane Anders: Shemar Moore
Handsome, talented, and charming, but also egotistical and proud, it would take a really talented actor to tackle Zane in the way that Charles Michael Davis manages to do on the series. It’s no surprise, given that Davis isn’t just an actor, but also a model.
Thinking of male models in the ’90s with acting experience and a similar sense of confidence, Shemar Moore immediately comes to mind. He has the same classic model good looks as Thomas, and, in the ’90s, he had some acting experience on The Young and the Restless that proved he had the chops, too.
Quinn Tyler: Robin Givens
Quinn is not the most likable character in the series. She’s a billionaire who is always impeccably dressed, walks with an air of confidence, and isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to get to the top, even if that means stepping on someone else to get there. Laura Benanti plays the character beautifully.
Who could pull it off in the ’90s? Robin Givens would be perfect for the role. The model and actress had television experience starting in the ’80s on Head of the Class. She starred in the sitcom Sparks in 1996, but a show like Younger and a role like Quinn might have been a bigger role for the then rising star.
Redmond: Sean Hayes
Redmond, played by Michael Urie, has the wonderful ability to teeter the line between charming and sweet and completely and utterly ruthless and mean. He can deliver the worst news in a sing-song voice that initially makes you think he is actually being nice. And he easily brushes everything off as “just business.”
Sean Hayes was making a name for himself in the ’90s on Will & Grace, but this role would have allowed him to show more layers of his acting. Considering he received seven Emmy Award nominations in a row for that show along with six Golden Globe nods, it’s obvious that Hayes has the talent to take on just about any role he wants.
