Summer England, a TikTok sensation with over 285K followers, has captivated viewers with her authentic rom-com series. Dubbed “The Neighbor Saga,” the series combines England’s #CottageCore aesthetic, Gilmore Girls wit, and the innocence of a romantic comedy heroine while unfolding her real-life romance with a neighbor in short, suspenseful bursts. The storytelling format, reminiscent of the 2012 YouTube series “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries,” breaks down a larger narrative into two-to-three minute segments, keeping her audience engaged and coming back for more. England is a trained actor and part of a niche #BookTok subculture, so she skillfully crafts her romantic narrative through understanding the structure necessary for a satisfying storyline. The time delay between real-life events and TikTok updates adds an exciting twist, blending reality TV and narrative storytelling in a unique media form, keeping a dying genre very much alive amongst Gen Z. (The Daily Beast)
