While university life may seem mundane to some, the stereotypical portrayals of the college culture have been played out in TV shows and movies endlessly.
And while Netflix is responsible for some of those clichéd portrayals, their latest addition is sure to keep you glued to your screen.
Introducing Deaf U.
The series follows a group of students who attend Gallaudet University, a college for the Deaf and hard of hearing, in Washington, D.C.
Co-executive produced by model and activist Nyle DiMarco, the series offers an unfiltered look into the Deaf community and the students who are trying to juggle the pressures of life, all while growing up Deaf in today’s society.
Interested? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the show, from the plot to the cast and where you can stream it in Australia.
What Is The Plot Of Deaf U?
Deaf U centres around a group of college students experiencing the trials and tribulations associated with coming-of-age while doing the same thing within Deaf culture.
The series follows six students from Gallaudet University—a college for the Deaf in Washington D.C.—and how they navigate relationships, friendships, school and everything in-between.
In Deaf U, students share everything from their insecurities about “not being Deaf enough” and wanting to preserve American Sign Language (ASL), to navigating hookups, to trying to feel less alone within their 1,000-person university.
In 2010, DiMarco visited the campus of students who are a tight-knight community. “I always felt like we really needed a reality TV show about the university–so many juicy things happen on campus,” he told The Guardian.
According to the activist, the goal of the series was “to break the mould”.
“Most of the time when we see deaf characters or deaf personalities in TV shows or film, they’re very one-dimensional. There’s no real nuance to who they are. You don’t really deep dive into their experience; you don’t really see any layers to their character,” he said.
Check out the trailer below to see for yourself.
WATCH BELOW: Deaf U Trailer
Who Are The Students In Deaf U?
Deaf U follows the lives of six students whose interactions together form the basis of the series. In the series, we meet Cheyenna who is a Deaf social media influencer and YouTuber; Rodney, the series’ self-presumed bad boy footballer; Alexa, a member of the “Deaf Elite” who comes from a family filled with generations of Deaf members; Renate, a senior who is passionate about poetry and human and environmental rights.
![Deaf U](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/76991/deafu-01.jpg)
The series also introduces us to Daequan, a footballer who was born into a hearing family; Dalton, another footballer who also plays basketball and Tessa, another member of the “Deaf Elite” who grew up with Alexa.
Where To Watch Deaf U In Australia
Looking to give it a shot? You can catch the first season of Deaf U on Netflix in Australia.