Netflix is entering the teen drama space this fall with a new series called Crew Girl. The show centers around 16-year-old Teagan Tao, played by Miku Martineau, who is a talented rower from Los Angeles. Teagan's life changes when her father’s financial crimes force her and her mother to move to Massachusetts. She hopes to continue rowing at Easton Prep, a prestigious school, but discovers that it only has a boys’ crew team. Teagan’s only chance to join the team is by becoming the coxswain for the boys’ rowing squad. This decision causes tension with her new teammates who are used to a certain structure in their team dynamics. As the season progresses, Teagan learns how to work as part of a team and the boys begin to accept her. The show explores themes like family pressure, competition within the crew, and a love triangle between Teagan, Cam Dillinger, and Josh Regis.
All eight episodes of the first season premiered on Netflix on September 10, 2026. The series was created by Vivian Lin and developed by Lin and Morwyn Brebner.
Crew Girl is an original series with no source material, unlike many other teen shows on streaming platforms, according to Screen Rant. It follows familiar teen drama tropes but still manages to be engaging for fans of the genre. The pilot episode introduces Teagan in a way that makes her relatable and compelling. Miku Martineau delivers an impressive performance that helps make Teagan a standout character. On her first day at Easton Prep, Teagan faces off with Britney Garner, the school’s queen bee. This adds to her underdog status and makes viewers more invested in her journey.
The competition for the coxswain position is exciting even though its outcome is clear from the title. However, early episodes of the show struggle with pacing and character development. Teagan becomes more of a background figure in these moments, instead of being the main focus. She ends up taking on a motherly role for her teammates, which feels out of place given the show’s female-driven tone.
Despite these early issues, the second half of the first season improves significantly. The show finds its rhythm and delivers a fun mix of teenage drama and athletic competition. Crew Girl avoids completely falling apart thanks to its strong lead performance and growing team chemistry.
Although the story takes place in the fictional Massachusetts town of Eagle's Cove, production took place around Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Hatley Castle was used for scenes at the fictional Easton Prep.
The series has a promising start with a unique setting that blends rowing and teen drama in an original way. Teagan’s journey from outsider to team member is central to the story. Audiences who enjoy stories about personal growth and sports will find much to appreciate in Crew Girl. The show may not break new ground in the teen drama genre, but it does offer a solid and entertaining experience. With strong performances and a growing sense of team dynamics, Crew Girl has potential to become a fan favorite.