Ready or Not (1993–1997) stands as a cornerstone of 1990s Canadian television, offering a nuanced and heartfelt exploration of adolescence through the lives of two best friends, Amanda Zimm (Laura Bertram) and Elizabeth “Busy” Ramone (Lani Billard). Airing for five seasons and 65 episodes on the Showtime Movie Channel (1993–1997), Global Television Network, and later The Disney Channel (1996–2000) in both Canada and the United States, the series captured the messy, authentic struggles of teenage girlhood in suburban Toronto.
Premise And Characters
Set in the suburbs of Toronto, Ready or Not follows Amanda, a Jewish-Canadian only child raised by liberal, former hippie parents, and Busy, from a traditional Italian-Canadian Catholic family with three older brothers. The show begins with the girls in sixth grade and follows them through to ninth grade, navigating the turbulent waters of puberty, friendship, and family dynamics. Amanda, the more feminine and introspective of the two, often grapples with her parents’ New Age philosophies and their divorce, while Busy, a tomboy with a passion for basketball, faces challenges within her conservative family, including poignant moments like her mother’s miscarriage.
The contrast between Amanda’s and Busy’s backgrounds—cultural, familial, and personal—provided a rich backdrop for exploring universal teenage experiences. The show’s creator, Alyse Rosenberg, emphasized realistic portrayals, avoiding the “cutesy” resolutions common in other teen programming. Rosenberg noted, “Television has a huge effect on teens, especially on girls, who can be made to feel completely inadequate. We are trying to offer alternative ways to navigate the rocky road of adolescence.”
Themes And Impact
What set Ready or Not apart was its willingness to tackle heavy topics—divorce, racism, consent, homophobia, bullying, and body image—without shying away from their complexity. Episodes like “The Last Hurrah,” addressing Busy’s first period, or “Am I Perverted or What?” delved into the awkward, often embarrassing moments of growing up with a sensitivity that resonated with viewers. The show balanced these with lighter fare, such as unrequited crushes and school dances, making it both an educational tool and a comforting reflection of youth.
Critics and fans have praised Ready or Not for its depth, particularly when compared to contemporaries like Saved by the Bell, which leaned heavily on idealized, unrealistic portrayals of teen life. Kathleen Newman-Bremang of Refinery29 argued that while Degrassi is often hailed as the gold standard of Canadian teen drama, Ready or Not at times surpassed it in “navigating life’s big problems with nuance,” portraying teen girls as complex individuals rather than “one-note bratty caricatures.” The series’ raw authenticity, low-budget charm, and casting of age-appropriate actors (unlike the older actors often playing teens in American shows) added to its relatability.
Cultural Significance
Ready or Not gained a cult following, particularly among older Canadian millennials, for whom its episodes are “seared into our brains like Backstreet Boys lyrics,” as Newman-Bremang put it. Its realistic depiction of adolescence filled a gap in 1990s programming, offering a counterpoint to glossier American teen dramas like Dawson’s Creek. The show’s impact was recognized with a 1996 Gemini Award for Best Youth Series, cementing its place in Canadian television history.
The series also served as an early platform for future stars, including a young Ryan Gosling, who appeared in the episode “I Do, I Don’t” as Matt Kalinsky, sporting a Kurt Cobain-esque hairstyle. Other notable actors, like Fab Filippo and Caterina Scorsone, also featured in the show, adding to its legacy as a breeding ground for Canadian talent.
Reception And Legacy
Viewers lauded Ready or Not for its mature storytelling and strong performances, particularly from Bertram and Billard, whose chemistry and spontaneity brought Amanda and Busy to life. IMDb user reviews highlight the show’s relatability, with one fan noting, “If you were a teenager during the 90s, you are going to feel very reflected on Busy and Amanda.” Another praised its “blunt, ‘this is what it is’ quality” for addressing issues without the melodramatic gloss of American after-school specials.
The Disney Channel’s syndication in the late 1990s introduced the show to a broader audience, though some episodes, like “Origins of Man” and “Am I Perverted or What?”, were deemed too mature and excluded from their lineup. The series’ enduring appeal led to talks of a reboot in June 2021, though no further developments have been confirmed as of 2025.
Where To Watch
Fans can revisit Ready or Not through platforms like the Internet Archive, where all 65 episodes are available for streaming, or on YouTube channels like Encore+, which hosts select episodes. The podcast Still Not Ready also offers a nostalgic rewatch, with hosts Amy and Brit breaking down episodes with humor and insight, further testament to the show’s lasting cultural footprint.
Conclusion
Ready or Not remains a beloved relic of 1990s Canadian television, celebrated for its honest portrayal of teenage life and its fearless engagement with tough issues. By centering two multidimensional female leads, it offered a refreshing alternative to the era’s often superficial teen dramas. For those who grew up with Amanda and Busy, the show is a nostalgic touchstone, and for new viewers, it’s a timeless exploration of the trials and triumphs of youth.
