As a Film & Television major, I am often found glued to my computer, ready to watch the next episode of my favourite TV show.

Whether it is How I Met Your Mother, Game of Thrones or The Office, I love immersing myself in different spaces and connecting with the characters.

So when my best friend sent me a message to say that HBO’s Girls was quickly becoming one of her favourite shows, I was eager to jump in! The show had me hooked from the moment two girls were talking about boys, in a tub, eating a cupcake. Yet I was surprised to see that online, the show wasn’t faring so well. So, in lieu of all the criticism, I’m here to tell you the top 5 reasons why Girls deserves your attention.

#1 – Female Powerhouse

Lets start with the basics, the behind-the-scenes details that, frankly, haven’t been getting enough attention. Not only does this show star Lena Dunham, she is the powerhouse behind the production. Lena Dunham is only 26, and yet she is the creator, writer, director and executive producer of her own HBO television series!? Not only is that impressive, but for a female in the television business, that is almost unheard of. It’s hard enough to find a female director, let alone a young 20-something who has created her own show! If for any reason at all, check this show out just to give Lena Dunham some credit.

#2 – Breaking the Mold

In addition to Lena Dunham’s off-screen efforts, her on-screen character, Hannah, is something entirely fresh and interesting. Firstly, this is not a girl with a supermodel body, great hair, and flawless makeup. This is a slightly overweight girl who has decided that there are greater things in life than her appearance. In a world where media representations are excessively sexualised, it would appear that the only way to be feminine is to be an object of desire.

Yet Hannah’s character challenges that presumption. Hannah wants to be a writer; she wants to use her brain, not her body. Secondly, Hannah exhibits flaws. Many critics have expressed concern about Hannah’s dependency on her parents’ money or her detrimental sexual relationship with not-boyfriend Adam. However, I see these flaws as realistic problems that deserve screen time. There are plenty of college students and graduates that have little conception of the real world when it comes to money.

Furthermore, Hannah is young and still in the process of figuring out what she wants from a relationship. What young woman has her relationships all figured out anyway? Aren’t these interesting topics to explore on television? The show has made an obvious decision not to create a utopian world, but rather characters that are relatable.

#3 – Female Sexuality

For all its nudity, Girls doesn’t just skip over the issues surrounding sex. When world-traveling Jessa confesses she’s pregnant, the show proceeds to tackle abortion, STDs and virginity. Unexpectedly, younger Shoshanna has never had sex, a rarity in shows not about teenagers. In a world where teenage pregnancy is a hot topic, it is often implied that if you’re not having sex you’re somehow abnormal. In reality, there are plenty of people in Shoshanna’s exact position. I find Girls’ take on sexuality refreshing and an interesting plot device for the future.

#4 – The Diversity Dilemma

Many critics take issue with the fact that Girls lacks racial diversity. However, what concerns me about this is the haste with which it has been made. The show had merely one episode when critics began the smackdown on Lena Dunham’s supposed racism. To this I say, give the show a chance before jumping to conclusions. Although I agree that television should portray a diverse array of people, this can often lead dangerously close to tokenism.

If Lena Dunham doesn’t feel comfortable writing a character, I’d rather she didn’t than try to diversify her show using stereotypes. Furthermore, does our issue with race indicate that there is something innately different about African American or Asian women that they can’t relate to a white girl? We may not live an entirely tolerant culture, but surely some issues transcend race?

#5 – It’s Hilarious

All scrutiny aside, this show is truly hilarious. The actresses are extremely natural on screen and have great chemistry with each other. The use of satire and wit exhibits Lena Dunham’s well-honed comedy skills both on the page and on screen. Female friendships are portrayed in all their beauty and idiosyncrasy. There are also plenty of awkward moments for those of us less socially adept to relate to. And finally, if you’re a modern girl who has absolutely no idea what you’re going to do with your oddly specific university degree, be sure to check this show out!