It’s a common experience for millennials to realize they’ve entered their “Golden Girls” era, defined by the popular TV show from the 80s. Markay Cunningham, a 41-year-old avid Instagram user, recently had this realization, expecting to be in the cool mom’s era but finding herself in her 40s and compared to the iconic characters of the show.
The Golden Girls premiered in 1985, showcasing the lives of four women in Miami Beach. The show ran for seven seasons, ending in 1992, and was praised for its positive portrayal of older women and the strong bonds between female friends.
According to Pew Research Center, millennials were born between 1981-1996. While they share a common birth range, there are significant differences within the generation. Younger millennials are yet to hit their 30s, while older ones, like Cunningham, have crossed into their 40s.
Cunningham’s humorous revelation about being in her “Golden Girls” era went viral on social media, resonating with many in their early 40s. The response to her video clip has been overwhelming, with millions of views and likes. Others have followed suit, creating their own content and sharing their reactions.
Her TikTok post garnered over 1,200 comments, with users expressing surprise and amusement at the realization. Some even jokingly pointed out that the character she identified with, Blanche Devereaux, was likely older than 41 in the show.
Overall, the shared recognition of being in the “Golden Girls” era has created a sense of camaraderie among older millennials, combining humor and nostalgia as they navigate this new phase of life.