Grown-ish Yara Shahidi and Trevor Jackson Reflect on Series Finale
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Zoey and Aaron bid farewell as Grown-ish comes to an end.
Yara Shahidi and Trevor Jackson have portrayed Zoey and Aaron since the show premiered on Freeform in 2018. The characters, who had a complicated relationship, graduated in seasons 3 and 4. The final seasons of Grown-ish shifted focus to Zoey's brother Junior as he started his journey at California University, following in their footsteps.
The show’s series finale is set to air on Wednesday, May 22, bringing back Zoey and Aaron for one final celebration.
Shahidi, 24, shared her thoughts on the finale at the Grown-ish series finale party in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 21. She expressed her satisfaction with how the show wrapped up, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Zoe's growth and development. The focus was on making the characters feel unique and sending them off to a promising future outside of the show.
Shahidi praised the Grown-ish writing team for their excellent portrayal of how two people came together in a new way not seen in previous seasons.
During the final season of Grown-ish, fans witnessed Zoey and Aaron's journey through highs and lows. Zoey was focused on her move to New York City and saving Anti-Muse, Luca's fashion brand, while Aaron pursued a teaching career in L.A. The couple broke up early in season 6, with Aaron dating Edie before reuniting in the penultimate episode. In that episode, Aaron proposed to Zoey, who left the room without answering.
Jackson, 27, is also proud of where the characters end in the series finale.
“I think it went great,” he told Us on Tuesday. “I hope the fans are happy.”
Grown-ish Yara Shahidi and Trevor Jackson Reflect on Series Finale
Disney/PictureGroup
Fans and Jackson alike will be delighted by the ending. Jackson shared with Us that they all agreed on what they believed would be the best ending. He mentioned having a brief conversation with Shahidi about the characters' final arc.
Shahidi and Jackson felt emotional as they finished filming Grown-ish after six seasons.
Shahidi expressed her gratitude for the celebratory atmosphere of the premiere party. She mentioned that despite the emotional moments of closing out the show, they were ending on a high note. Celebrating over 100 episodes and having a last moment together was special for the cast. Returning to close out the season was a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
She concluded, "This experience led me to become an EP and has brought me into this next phase of life. Knowing that I'll have these people in my life forever makes it much easier."
Jackson also feels "emotional" and "happy" about the show coming to an end.
Jackson expressed feeling a mix of sadness and accomplishment. He described the feeling of overcoming doubts and achieving success. He praised the hard work put in by everyone involved in telling the stories and felt honored to celebrate with them.
The Grown-ish series finale will be airing on Freeform Wednesday, May 22, at 10 p.m. ET. It will also be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
With reporting by Lanae Brody
Editor's P/S:
The conclusion of "Grown-ish" marks a bittersweet moment for fans and cast alike. The show, which has followed the journey of Zoey and Aaron since its premiere in 2018, has showcased their growth and development, ultimately leaving them in a promising place as they embark on new chapters in their lives. The series finale promises a satisfying conclusion, bringing Zoey and Aaron's story full circle while also highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse experiences and perspectives.
The cast and crew of "Grown-ish" have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to tell this story and the impact it has had on viewers. They are proud of the way the characters have evolved and the messages they have conveyed about love, friendship, and self-discovery. The show's legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences long after its final episode airs.