Darren Star
Darren Star is a renowned American writer, director, and producer known for his influential contributions to television. Born on July 25, 1961, Star grew up in a Jewish family in Potomac, Maryland. His mother worked as a freelance writer and his father was an orthodontist, which may have influenced his creative pursuits. Star is best known for creating iconic television series that have become cultural touchstones, such as Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, Sex and the City, and Younger.
Beverly Hills, 90210
"Beverly Hills, 90210" is one of Star's most famous creations, having aired from 1990 to 2000. The series follows the lives of a group of friends in Beverly Hills, California, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. Known for its groundbreaking approach to teen drama, the show tackled issues such as drug abuse, relationships, and social dynamics. The series became a seminal piece of 1990s pop culture and spawned a successful franchise.
Melrose Place
Following the success of "Beverly Hills, 90210," Star created Melrose Place, a spin-off that aired from 1992 to 1999. Set in a Los Angeles, California apartment complex, the series portrayed the lives of its residents, focusing on personal and professional relationships. "Melrose Place" was known for its dramatic and sometimes controversial storylines, cementing Star's reputation for edgy and engaging television.
Sex and the City
"Sex and the City," another of Star’s landmark series, aired on HBO from 1998 to 2004. Based on the book by Candace Bushnell, the series follows four women navigating life, love, and careers in New York City. It was celebrated for its candid exploration of sexuality, relationships, and female empowerment, winning multiple awards and spawning two feature films and a revival series.
Emily in Paris
In 2020, Star created Emily in Paris, a romantic comedy-drama that premiered on Netflix. The series stars Lily Collins as Emily, an American marketing executive who moves to Paris, France to provide an American point of view to a French marketing firm. The show was noted for its glamorous portrayal of Parisian life and culture, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Younger
"Younger," which premiered in 2015, is another of Star’s acclaimed series, based on the novel by Pamela Redmond Satran. The comedy-drama follows Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman posing as a 26-year-old to re-enter the workforce. It explores themes of identity, ageism, and the complexities of modern work life, continuing Star's tradition of creating socially relevant and entertaining television.
Star's work continues to influence the television landscape, and his series are celebrated for their bold storytelling, memorable characters, and cultural impact.