“The Bold Type” ran for five seasons on Freeform, a comedy-drama about three young women working at a fictional women’s magazine called Scarlet. It follows Jane Sloan, Kat Edison and Sutton Brady as they navigate careers, identity and friendship in New York City. The show was created by Sarah Watson and is inspired by the life of Joanna Coles, former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan.
Trailer, via Freeform.
The Core Trio
Katie Stevens plays Jane, who lands her dream job as a writer. Aisha Dee plays Kat, the magazine’s social media director. Meghann Fahy plays Sutton, still in an assistant’s role among the three friends. Together they form the show’s emotional center.
Jacqueline and Oliver
Melora Hardin plays Jacqueline Carlyle, the editor-in-chief of Scarlet. Her character is described as “quietly tough and confident.” She is later revealed to be based on Joanna Coles. Stephen Conrad Moore plays Oliver Grayson, the fashion department head.
The Supporting Cast
Sam Page joins as Richard Hunter. Matt Ward plays Alex, a fellow writer at Scarlet. Nikohl Boosheri plays Adena El-Amin, a photographer who develops a romantic relationship with Kat. Emily C. Chang appears as Lauren Park, an executive editor. Luca James Lee plays Ben, a potential love interest for Jane. Siobhan Murphy plays Cleo, a new board member at Safford Publishing. Peter Vack plays Patrick Duchand, a new Scarlet staffer. Alexis Floyd plays Tia, a campaign manager for a city council candidate.
Seasons and Renewals
The pilot aired as a preview on June 20, 2017. The series premiered officially on July 11, 2017, with 10 episodes. A two-season renewal came through, with seasons two and three premiering in June 2018 and April 2019. The fourth season began January 23, 2020, reduced from 18 to 16 episodes due to the pandemic. The fifth and final season premiered May 26, 2021, with six episodes.
Reception
Every season has received positive reviews from television critics, including Vanity Fair, Vox, Variety and The Atlantic. The show is broadcast internationally on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
Final Word
“The Bold Type” succeeds because its central trio remains grounded and relatable, even as the show’s premise grows more elaborate. The final season closes the series on a note that feels earned, wrapping up storylines and character arcs that had been building across the full run.
The show is not perfect. Its formula shows strain by the end, and some subplots feel rushed to fit within the final six episodes. But the core relationship between Jane, Kat and Sutton holds up, carrying the series through its ups and downs.
Season Breakdown
| Season | Premiere Date | Episode Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 11, 2017 | 10 |
| 2 | June 2018 | 18 |
| 3 | April 2019 | 18 |
| 4 | January 23, 2020 | 16 |
| 5 | May 26, 2021 | 6 |
The season breakdown shows the show’s trajectory across its run. The first season set the tone with ten episodes; the middle seasons expanded to eighteen before the pandemic cut the fourth season to sixteen. The final season condensed to six episodes, ending the series on a smaller scale than it started.
The Show’s Legacy
The series is remembered for its handling of its central trio’s growth. Jane, Kat and Sutton each found their own voice within the magazine’s walls, and their friendship remained the show’s anchor throughout. The show’s international broadcasts on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have kept it available to audiences beyond the United States.
“The Bold Type” earned a strong critical reception across its run. That consistency of praise, from outlets including Vanity Fair, Vox, Variety and The Atlantic, suggests the show delivered on its promise of a fresh look at modern magazine culture.
The show’s final season marked a shift toward personal storylines over workplace drama. This move was a natural evolution for a series that had spent years establishing its characters’ inner lives. The final six episodes brought those threads together, giving viewers a satisfying conclusion to the series.
“The Bold Type” earns a score of 5.8 out of 10.
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