“Dash & Lily” is a romantic comedy-drama series based on the young adult novel “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. The show first premiered on Netflix in 2020.
The series is set in New York City during the holiday season. It follows the story of Dash (played by Austin Abrams), a cynical teenager who finds a red notebook at The Strand bookstore. The notebook contains a set of dares left by a spontaneous and optimistic girl named Lily (played by Midori Francis). As Dash and Lily exchange dares and messages in the notebook, they embark on a charming and heartfelt journey of self-discovery, romance, and holiday magic. The show explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of connection during the festive season.
Austin Abrams plays Dash, the cynical and introspective teenager who discovers the red notebook. Midori Francis portrays Lily, the optimistic and adventurous girl who initiates the dare-filled exchange in the red notebook. Other notable cast members include Dante Brown as Boomer, Troy Iwata as Langston, and James Saito as Arthur.
The series is set in New York City, and many iconic locations in the city are featured throughout the show:
- The Strand Bookstore: The famous independent bookstore located in the East Village of Manhattan serves as a central setting for the story.
- Washington Square Park: A popular public park in Greenwich Village that was featured prominently in the series.
- Grand Army Plaza: Located at the southeast corner of Central Park, this area is also used for filming.
Fun Facts:
- The Strand Bookstore, where Dash finds the red notebook, is a real and iconic bookstore in New York City, known for its extensive collection of new, used, and rare books.
- The series captures the festive spirit of New York City during the holiday season, showcasing the city’s decorations, lights, and overall magical atmosphere.
- The original novel, “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares,” is written in a collaborative format with alternating chapters between Dash and Lily. The TV series maintains this structure, offering viewers insights into both characters’ perspectives.
- The series features a contemporary and lively soundtrack that complements the youthful and vibrant energy of the characters and the holiday setting.
- The TV series is based on the first book in a series by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. The authors have collaborated on multiple young adult novels, and “Dash & Lily” is part of their collaborative work.
- “Dash & Lily” has been well-received for its charming storyline, the chemistry between the lead characters, and its celebration of the holiday season in New York City.