Netflix has been on a roll in 2020, and the production giant and the streaming platform had new content drop onto the platform on Friday, October 9. Deaf U is a docu-series that dives deep into the day-to-day lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals as they navigate the hallways of Gallaudet University.
The cast of Deaf U are all twenty-somethings navigating their personal growth, their university careers, and their experiences as non-hearing. This feat is not for the weak, and a sneak peek into the main cast shows an array of diverse and bold individuals. They are all students at Gallaudet University, a prestigious and private university designed to cater to the deaf and hard of hearing.
Let's get to know the show's stars! They are all attendees of Gallaudet University, the only higher education institution in the world that caters to deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Cosmopolitan reported on all the new faces that Deaf U introduces. The show itself is said to be a refreshing and jaw-dropping escape from the over-saturated and superficial settings of reality TV.
Cheyenna Clearbrook is the first of six main characters. A self-proclaimed social media influencer, Clearbrook is used to being on screen as a beauty and lifestyle YouTuber. Fans can find this firecracker's Instagram here. Rodney Burford is, literally, Deaf U's self-proclaimed f*ck boy. The bad boy is a player on the streets and a football star on the field. Throughout the show, it starts to become clear that his persona is a mask for his fear of getting hurt, and there's a more complicated man underneath the image he's made for himself. Coming for the crown of queen B is Tessa Lewis. The Gallaudet University tradition holds a space for the 'elites,' members of the student body that come from an ancestry of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The 'elites' are fourth or fifth generation Deaf and are giving us mean girls vibes. Her Instagram is @tessazabrina. Alexa Paulay-Simmons, a Hawaii native, is another 'elite.' Alexa's Instagram biography tells us that she is, "notoriously flamboyant" and "sorta boring... sorta cool." Renate Rose is a queer member of Deaf U's cast. The pansexual and outspoken activist opened up in an Instagram caption in a post about the show. "This is really close to my heart because I got a chance to share my deepest emotions, my inner struggles, and my accomplishments." Throughout the show, Renate addresses her family's disapproval of her relationship with another woman. Daequan Taylor is another member of the cast that honestly and openly taps into his emotions. Check out his Instagram here. And the final member of the cast is Dalton Taylor. Dalton is also a member of the football team, and is a very laid back guy.
The show has been received very well so far, and anticipation for the premiere is high. The 8-episode docuseries will follow the students through different phases of their university career as they ponder their lives in Deaf-only communities, and what or where they should be heading next. Add to that relationships, makeups, and breakups, and you've got a drama for the decades.
The producers of the show made sure to keep the beautiful mess that is being human at the forefront of the show as the cast navigates their small social bubble. One of the executive producers Nyle DiMarco, who has been involved with shows like Dancing With the Stars and America's Next Top Model, is actually a Gallaudet University alumni. DiMarco is a model and deaf activist.
Deaf U is currently streaming on Netflix.
Source: Cosmopolitan