by Jordan Park

Website Manager

If you’re searching for your next coming-of-age binge, The Runarounds, now streaming on Prime Video, might just be the show you didn’t know you needed. Leaning into the charm of its characters, the beauty of its setting, and the bittersweet end of summer, it delivers a story that’s as easy to watch as it is to enjoy. 

Fresh out of high school, five friends form a rock band determined to make it big. Led by Charlie Cooper (William Lipton), who is torn between college and his passion for music, the band, called The Runarounds, gains popularity when they recruit talented drummer Bez Willis (Zendé Murdock), along with Topher Park (Jeremy Yun), Neil Crosby (Axel Ellis), and Wyatt Wysong (Jesse Golliher), who are all guitarists and vocalists. Thrown into the mix is family drama, a love triangle, some killer performances, and the unforgettable highs and lows of growing up. 

Created by the same people who brought you Outer Banks, The Runarounds has a similar feel, with a sun-drenched setting, high-energy pacing, and storylines that balance heartfelt emotion with just the right amount of drama. One thing that creator Jonas Pate excels at is casting up-and-coming actors, which he continued to do in this show. Most of the cast had very little, if any, professional acting experience before stepping into these roles, giving the series a raw authenticity. The actors are also real musicians, so their performances on screen feel genuine rather than staged, and the mix of natural chemistry, musical passion, and fresh talent results in a widely entertaining dynamic.  

Overall, the show is light-hearted and, at times, undeniably a little cheesy. It leans on the familiar tropes of high school crushes, bickering with parents, friendship tensions, and music-fueled ambition. I will say that even when a scene feels predictable, the energy and emotion behind it keep things engaging. The soundtrack deserves credit, too, as it not only features catchy original music performed by The Runarounds; it’s also paired with indie tracks from artists like Dr. Dog, Grouplove, and Royal Otis. I always appreciate a well-placed and carefully chosen song, like when Dr. Dog’s Where’d All the Time Go? started playing during the classic high school graduation moment when the valedictorian gives their speech and everyone is in their cap and gown (as a senior, this scene definitely got to me). Set in Wilmington, North Carolina, the show also makes the most of its coastal backdrop, creating a setting that naturally complements the storyline and makes for breathtaking scenes. 

​​It’s not Oscar material, and it certainly isn’t flawless, but it doesn’t have to be. With its lively performances and easygoing charm, this Prime Video original is the kind of show you’ll want to run through in a weekend or two. 

(Source: LA Times)