Netflix’s ‘Messy Girl Summer’ Missed These Gems—And What That Means for Our Family-Building Journeys
Ever scroll through Netflix and think, 'Wait, this category could be so much better?' That was exactly the vibe when I stumbled upon the new ‘Messy Girl Summer’ category on Netflix—promising a fresh collection of shows highlighting edgy, imperfect female leads embracing their chaos. But after a closer peek (and thanks to a sharp-eyed commentary by CNET), it felt like some of the truly raw, authentic titles were left off the list. So naturally, my mind wandered to a bigger question: What stories about family-building and fertility journeys are missing from mainstream conversations?
I was inspired by this great read, I Think Netflix's New 'Messy Girl Summer' Category Missed a Few Titles, but I've Got You, which made me think about representation and storytelling. When it comes to family building, especially the kind that navigates fertility challenges or alternative paths, the stories rarely make it to the spotlight. And here’s the kicker: many people go through these journeys quietly, feeling isolated—yet these experiences are among the most profound and transformative in life.
The Untold Stories of Building Families
For many, building a family isn’t a straight path. Whether it’s struggling with infertility, exploring at-home insemination, or navigating conditions like vaginismus, these experiences are deeply personal and often shrouded in a lot of stigma or silence. While mainstream media is slowly getting better at reflecting diverse relationships and identities, the very process of creating families—with all its messy, hopeful, and sometimes heartbreaking moments—still flies under the radar.
That’s where companies like MakeAMom come into the picture. They’re not just selling insemination kits; they’re empowering individuals and couples to take control of their family-building journey in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. This means people can bypass intimidating clinical settings or expensive treatments while still having access to effective, reusable tools tailored to their unique needs, whether that’s using the CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm or the BabyMaker kit designed for those with sensitivities.
Why Representation Matters in Fertility Narratives
When popular culture misses these narratives, it perpetuates the idea that fertility struggles are niche or ‘other.’ But guess what? They’re not. Fertility challenges affect millions worldwide, cutting across all demographics. When we don’t see these stories, it can make the journey feel lonelier and more confusing. But sharing stories, even the messy or complicated ones, can be incredibly healing.
Think about how Netflix’s ‘Messy Girl Summer’ category aims to normalize flawed, vibrant womanhood. Why can’t the same energy be channeled into embracing the real, sometimes messy journeys of people building families through unconventional methods?
Opening the Door to New Conversations
If you’re someone navigating your own path—maybe trying at-home insemination, or even just learning about it—there’s a whole community here rooting for you. And there’s something powerful in knowing you’re not alone. By sharing experiences, we break the stigma and open the door for more inclusive conversations about fertility.
The good news is that resources are becoming more accessible every day. Companies focusing on at-home solutions, like MakeAMom’s innovative insemination kits, are part of a growing movement to make family-building more approachable, affordable, and private. This means your story can be your own, told on your terms.
So, What’s Next?
As we binge-watch those chaotic, messy, and beautiful stories in every ‘summer’ category Netflix throws our way, let’s also amplify the voices and experiences of those who are rewriting what family looks like. Because in the end, family-building is messy in all the best ways—filled with hope, persistence, and love.
And hey, if you know of any shows, movies, or stories that do get this beautifully complicated journey right, drop them in the comments! Let’s create our own ‘Messy Girl Summer’—and ‘Messy Family Summer’ too, while we’re at it.
What’s your family-building story? Or what’s one story you wish was represented more? Let’s talk about it below!