Younger has finally moved past its original premise of a 40-year-old divorced, single mom, Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) passing herself off as 20-something in order to get back into the workforce. The “secret” has long become common knowledge, and now the show focuses on the comedic corporate intrigue of the publishing business, as well as the rise and fall of friendships and romantic entanglements.
Now in its last and final season, the audience has gotten to know the Empirical gang, as well as their lovers and roommates. Each character has qualities that make him/her desirable as a friend. But, there are different types of friendships, and, whatever your needs are, chances are good that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for from this group.
Enzo De Luca
When people say, “I got a guy,” they’re talking about Enzo (Chris Tardio), plumber extraordinaire. Handsome, rugged, and a bit rough around the edges, he loves his mother Filomena, and, with his sweetness and charm, he broke through Diana’s hard shell.
If you want a down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is pal who looks as good in a tux as he does in sweaty t-shirt and jeans who’ll give you the friends and family discount when you call him to unclog your drain, Enzo is your brother from another mother.
Quinn Tyler
When you’re friends with a self-made billionaire, you’re guaranteed a great gift on your birthday, spur-of-the-moment invites on private jets and yachts, and access to her connections when you’re looking for a job.
When that billionaire is Quinn (Laura Benanti), you have to be willing to take the perks with her personality, which is a bit self-centered. She compared herself to Liza by calling the editor Maria Von Trapp and calling herself The Baroness. “Nobody roots for The Baroness.” If you don’t mind being someone’s sidekick, Quinn might be the friend for you.
Zane Anders
Handsome, successful, and available! You will want Zane (Charles Michael Davis) to be a friend with benefits. It’s clear, though, to all—even women like Kelsey, whom he’s romanced—that work comes first. So, this publishing exec on the rise most likely will be at your birthday celebration or your kid’s baptism in spirit only.
His self-esteem quotient is off the charts, so, if you treat him badly, he’ll say “buh-bye,” and that’ll be the end of that. He’ll have no trouble moving on, as he is one of those sought-after people. If you want the relationship to last, ego-stroking will be part of the job.
Diana Trout
She’s a top-notch businesswoman whose statement necklace game is second to none. Diana (Miriam Shor) doesn’t have many friends, and, for a long time, she was very guarded, preferring to offer marketing advice gratis than talk about personal issues.
But, her new husband Enzo has softened her (a bit). Also, after her anger subsided when she found out that Liza was not 26, Diana realized that all the subservient tasks she had her assistant do were done out of genuine caring, and she saw what a real friend looks like. Liza set the bar pretty high. If you want into this interesting woman’s world, you’ll have to rise to the occasion.
Maggie Amato
You don’t just want to be friends with Maggie (Debi Mazar), you need a friend like her. You’ll always know where you stand, and she’ll stand up for you no matter what.
When Maggie is your friend, it’s like having Rocky Balboa in your corner. She pulls no punches and takes no crap. The artist goes after what she wants, knows how to make others feel welcome, and isn’t afraid to confront anyone who wrongs her. She’s also a great one to tap for hair and makeup tips; just ask Liza who owes her “I’m 40 but look 26” transformation to Maggie.
Lauren Heller
Did someone say “party?” If there’s a happening even anywhere in Manhattan, the most plugged-in publicist in NYC knows about it and has you both on the VIP list. Lauren (Molly Bernard) is your fun friend with the common sense advice wrapped in a creative idea. She can do sensitive when totally necessary and has a gift for seeing things exactly as they are hence. No sugar-coating from this redhead.
For those not born with the fun gene, Lauren is where to turn when you know you should get “out there” but don’t have the wherewithal to do it on your own. She’s the push on to the dance floor every introvert needs.
Charles Brooks
Sometimes you need a friend who’s older and wiser—not to mention way more sophisticated than you are—to turn to for a second opinion when it comes to matters both professional. Charles (Peter Hermann) is a CEO, and personal; he’s been married, divorced, he children, and he’s had affairs. In essence, Charles has been around the block and knows a thing or two about a thing or two.
He could be like an older brother/mentor, as he’s been to Kelsey, and look what that’s done for her career.
Josh
The epitome of strong and soft, this ink master/entrepreneur/biker dude has a big heart as well as enough love and common sense to take on the job of single dad. He may hit you up to babysit, which you’ll do gladly as roommate Lauren does, because Josh (Nico Tortorella) is such a good guy.
There’s nothing like a bohemian pal to set you free, even if it’s just for a little while. After spending time with someone like Josh, who lives by his own rules, doesn’t have a boss, and sees life through a creative gaze, you can’t help but feel a little lighter.
Kelsey Peters
If life were high school, Kelsey (Hilary Duff) would be the head cheerleader. The phrase “so young, so successful” was made for her, but she’s also very nice and grounded. Kelsey is a solid friend to have, but she’s not for the insecure.
Because of the way she carries herself and her confidence, it’s easy to feel shown up, so it’s best to only strike up a friendship if you’ve got your own career and personal life going on (think Lauren.) Like Quinn, Kelsey is a leader—a more benevolent one, at that—and you could end up in the role of sidekick (think Liza).
Liza Miller
If you look up the definition of “good person,” a picture of Liza (Sutton Foster) will be staring back at you. The eternal optimist with a maternal instinct and kindness like you’ve never seen, Liza is the person you want to be your BFF 4-Ever.
Even though everyone was got mad at her for lying to them about her age, they couldn’t stay mad because of everything else about her; her helpfulness, always-available shoulder to cry on, encouragement, and ability to overlook snotty remarks, especially from Diana because she knows hurt people hurt people, is wonderful.
