Horoscope 2024: Annual astrological prediction for each zodiac
Your Monthly Horoscopes: February 2024
Welcome to your February Horoscope! While January served up a borderline cliché new year new me vibe giving us space to revamp our schedules and set up our routines, February is when it gets weird. We're still living in the 2020s after all.
This strange month really gets started on the 5th when communication planet Mercury joins the sun in open-minded Aquarius. Then action planet Mars enters Aquarius on the 13th followed by love planet Venus on the 16th. Power planet Pluto also entered Aquarius back on January 20th. With these inner planet entrances, Pluto's usually more atmospheric powers of transformation are felt on the daily. Things you've been slow and stubborn to change spin in new directions almost instantly under this influence. This is felt especially on the 9th with a new moon in Aquarius that forces us to go with the ever-changing flow.
Pisces season begins on the 18th. Happy Solar Return to our compassionate and creative babes in good company with Rihanna, Drew Barrymore and Jon Hamm. Mercury follows the sun into the mutable water sign on the 23rd giving us a more poetic point of view.
The month wraps up on a serious note with a full moon in practical Virgo on the 24th, followed by a rare triple conjunction of the sun, Mercury and Saturn on the 28th. After weeks of thinking outside the box, February ends with us committing to projects and making plans for the next stage of innovation.
(Horoscopes follow for each sign. If you know your rising sign, reading for that sign may provide further insight.)
Your 2024 Horoscope Prediction Snapshot
Aries (March 21 - April 19)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Successful networking happy hour
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Take home a new foster kitty
Other Key Dates: 2/7, 2/13, 2/14, 2/22, 2/27
It's good to remember that you've got friends. With the sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all moving through your social sector this month, most of your energy is being put into volunteering, planning events and building your community. This is notable because friendship not so long ago felt hard to come by. Both 2021 and 2022 were particularly lonely years for you and all the invitations pouring in now shouldn't be taken for granted. Make this your month of yes so that later in the year, you can focus on fine tuning your inner circle.
Love Horoscope: Forget Valentine's Day—mark the 22nd as a date for fresh starts and vow renewals in your closest relationships. Relationship planets Venus and Mars meet up in the sky on this day for the first time since March 2022. What relationship phase was starting then and how is that wrapping up this month? Next month's eclipse season will bring further big changes for your love life, but for now, lean into passion and enjoy the ride.
Money Horoscope: What was your relationship to money back in March of 2022? Think about how much you've grown since then. You're now at another juncture where you must ask yourself, what's worth a little debt?
Aries Compatibility: The Best and Worst Zodiac Matches
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): First day of a job hunt
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): A very sexy second date
Other Key Dates: 2/6, 2/13, 2/16, 2/17, 2/22, 2/24
It's time for you to step into the spotlight. The new moon in Aquarius on the 9th is a chance for you to set goals for your career and public image over the next six months. With Mercury, Venus and Mars also traveling through your public image sector throughout February, you're putting your whole heart and soul into making a statement and (hopefully) making a difference. Just remember to make time to relax too. If you can't find a moment for yourself, the full moon in Virgo on the 24th forces you to let your hair down and have some fun.
Love Horoscope: Breakthroughs and breakdowns in your closest relationships occur when Venus and Mars meet up on the 22nd: an aspect that both stokes passions and stirs drama. The last time these two met in the sky was March 2022 so it's been awhile since you've had this kind of reckoning. This influence lets you see your love life with fresh eyes. How would you like to move forward?
Money Horoscope: As Mercury meets Pluto in your career sector on the 5th, you're compelled to set up a meeting with your boss and ask for a raise. You usually shy away from these tricky conversations, but right now your worth is undeniable. Ask for what you're owed.
Taurus Compatibility: Your Best and Worst Zodiac Matches, Ranked
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Book your summer travel
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Invite everyone over for game night
Other Key Dates: 2/2, 2/5, 2/10, 2/16, 2/23, 2/28, 2/29
There's so much to explore this month! Opportunities are endless! You're traveling and learning and getting back into a serious meditation practice. You're always seeking information but there's something different about it this time, something more intense. You're going deeper into the research than ever before. Things take a turn for the poetic when your ruling planet Mercury moves into Pisces on the 23rd highlighting your compassion as a leader. Your ability to think outside the box is finally being recognized. On the 28th, you get some well-earned respect that comes with a promotion.
Love Horoscope: February is more about self improvement than it is about growing through relationships. This month continues the trend of missed connections and bad luck on the apps. The full moon in Virgo on the 24th highlights how far you've come in cultivating your own private life and how comfortable you are in your own skin.
Money Horoscope: Travel, education and spiritual pursuits are what you plan to spend money on this month, but your biggest budget line ends up being your house. Whether you're buying new furniture, updating your kitchen or splurging on Moroccan rugs, the intentions you set for a more comfortable space back in September are finally becoming a reality.
Gemini Compatibility: Your Best and Worst Zodiac Matches, Ranked
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Auspicious date to find a new accountant
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Road trip with your bestie
Other Key Dates: 2/2, 2/6, 2/28
This isn't an easy month for you, Cancer. Even when things are rewarding, they're heavy. Every win comes with a requisite loss. The sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all spend time in your shared resources sector making it so every decision isn't yours alone. Whether you're arguing with your girlfriend, going through negotiations with your business partner or stressing with your siblings about your Mom's health, nothing feels like it's yours alone. Thankfully, at the full moon in Virgo on the 24th, a quick trip out of town takes your mind off your troubles and helps you plan for the future.
Love Horoscope: Much of this month is focused on relationships for you, Cancer, but it's less about romance and more about power dynamics. Things ease up once Pisces season begins on the 18th, and on the 28th, you're able to release the tension and get back to planning dates.
Money Horoscope: Money is a touchy subject for you this month, and while it's still Aquarius season, you might be faced with some unexpected expenses that have you digging into your savings. Just as it does for your love life, Pisces season (from the 18th) brings relief to your bank account. How much can you splurge on your next adventure?
MOST SUITED ZODIAC SIGNS, RANKED FROM WORST TO BEST
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Promises are made
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Wardrobe upgrades thanks to shopping sales
Other Key Dates: 2/8, 2/18, 2/28
Aquarius season always highlights how committed you are to your closest relationships. It feels good to be able to show up for others, but when was the last time you really showed up for yourself? The first half of the month highlights all the ways partnerships have both helped you grow and held you back. Then once Pisces season begins on the 18th, you need to either double down on the investment or move on. If what's holding you back from letting go is the idea of a sunk cost, then that's all the more reason to walk away. Commit to relationships meant to flourish.
Love Horoscope: The new moon on the 9th is a moment for you to set intentions alone or with your partner about what you need from a relationship. Things heat up when Mars enters your relationship sector on the 13th stirring up drama, but then Venus enters it on the 16th to smooth over any major conflict.
Money Horoscope: The full moon in Virgo on the 24th highlights your finances. If you're not yet getting a raise or seeing a profit, it might be time to rethink the plan. The end of the month is also a great time to pitch to investors, apply for loans or consolidate your debt.
Leo Compatibility: Your Most Suited Zodiac Signs, Ranked Worst to Best
Virgo (August 23 - September 23)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): New co-worker in the office
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): All eyes on you!
Other Key Dates: 2/5, 2/10, 2/16, 2/23, 2/28, 2/29
Aquarius season is always a relentless grind for you, and this one is an all-time slog. With the sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all spending time in your work sector, you have a full plate of errands and responsibilities all month coming from all areas of life. The new moon in Aquarius on the 9th is a chance for you to step back and revamp your schedule. Even when things are busy, you deserve ease! After the full moon in your sign on the 24th brings you back into your body, your focus shifts to romance. An important connection has a make-or-break moment on the 28th. Are you ready to commit?
Love Horoscope: Pisces season (from the 18th) is always your most relationship-focused month. Though it's easy to fall into a limerent fantasy this time of year, in 2024, you're focused on getting serious and making the right choices for your love life. Sometimes the "boring" (aka reliable) option is what's meant to be.
Money Horoscope: Money is steady this month, but you also might feel like you're grinding too hard for the size of your paycheck. Next month brings opportunities to look for new jobs or ask for a raise, but for now, don't work yourself into the ground just to prove yourself.
Virgo Compatibility: Your Most Suited Zodiac Signs, Ranked
Libra (September 23 - October 21)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Try out a fancy restaurant on a first date
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Take a nap / go offline
Other Key Dates: 2/6, 2/13, 2/16, 2/17, 2/22, 2/24
So far, 2024 has made you keenly aware of the cracks in your foundation. But instead of going back to the drawing board once again this month, your assignment is to have some fun. The sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all spend at least half the month in your pleasure sector so whether you're dating around, cultivating creative projects or spending more time with your kids, everything in your life must spark joy. Remember that happiness doesn't have to be so rare. What if you commit to making joy your default setting?
Love Horoscope: With the sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all spending at least half of the month in your romance sector, there's no time like the present to prioritize your love life. The new moon in Aquarius on the 9th has you seeing some flirtations with fresh eyes. Then on the 22nd, the timing is right to divulge your crush and see where things go.
Money Horoscope: Venus and Mars meet up for the first time since March 2022 on the 22nd, and for you this is a reset not only for your romantic life, but also for your finances. So much of the last few years has been a game of playing catch-up and now it's onto the next set of challenges.
Libra Compatibility: Your Most Suited Zodiac Signs, Ranked
Scorpio (October 22 - November 21)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Window shop for a new couch
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Wild night out with the besties
Other Key Dates: 2/13, 2/14, 2/22, 2/27
What's going on with you this month is absolutely no one's business. You're generally a private person but February takes that to an extreme. It's not that you're depressed or even feeling melancholy, you'd just rather keep these developments to yourself. The new moon in Aquarius on the 9th allows you to set intentions around cultivating your privacy and home life over the next six months. Then once Pisces season begins on the 18th, you're ready to invite some romance into your world.
Love Horoscope: Love and sex planets Venus and Mars meet up for the first time since March 2022 on the 22nd. This is a chance to reset your romantic life for the first time in two years. Tread lightly because this influence might take you on a nostalgia bender and tempt you to dig into the archive for comfort and relief. Before you give in and text your ex, think about the consequences.
Money Horoscope: You're considering a big purchase with your business or romantic partner that will push both your relationship and your finances to the next level. The logistics around this get complicated around the 10th before an unexpected development on the 16th allows you to wait it out as you consider further options.
5 Things to Know Before Dating a Scorpio
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Refresh your phone settings
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Making headlines!
Other Key Dates: 2/10, 2/24, 2/27, 2/29
Constant coffee dates and appointments fill your calendar this month while extra assignments at work take up the rest of your time. Though it's sad to walk away from friendships, when you're this busy it becomes clear which draining connections you have to let go. The new moon in Aquarius on the 9th offers a chance to walk away with grace. Once Pisces season begins on the 18th, you enter your hermit era and move all your appointments to your couch. This is true each day in the latter half of the month except for the 24th which brings a full moon in your public image sector that forces you out of your pajamas and onto the stage.
Love Horoscope: If you're single, you're likely to meet someone interesting via a friend this month, especially on the 5th when passions are high. Just be careful not to get obsessed with someone you barely know. Your busy schedule forces you to take things slow.
Money Horoscope: Just when you finally feel like you're in a comfortable position at work, you're ready to change careers again. The full moon in Virgo on the 24th brings great recognition for your talents that lead to some interesting networking opportunities on the 28th. You don't have to switch things up immediately but see where these offers take you.
Sagittarius Is the Single Most Optimistic Sign in the Zodiac—We Can All Learn from Them
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)Think back to December 2020. Yes, we were still in the midst of lockdown uncertainty, but what was just beginning for you back then? What goals were you setting around your values and finances? Your focus right now is on building wealth and providing for your family. Your hard work is paying off and also inspiring some of your closest friends to do the same. By the end of the month, you're finding your flow, learning how to take more breaks and be generous with your time. Give yourself the gift of ease.
Love Horoscope: With Jupiter still in your romance sector, you're enjoying another month of sweetness and positive vibes. The full moon in Virgo on the 24th finds you in the midst of planning a trip with a lover. It's scary to think so far in the future but you deserve this kind of love.
Money Horoscope: So much of your energy this month is focused on money and finances. The week surrounding the new moon in Aquarius on the 9th is a great time to close out your books from 2023 and set money goals for 2024. Be open to some unexpected options for getting more cash.
How Capricorn Are You Really (on a Scale from "Goat" to "Check Your Birth Certificate")?
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): New moon, new you!
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): Is it time to get a new therapist?
Other Key Dates: 2/28
You like attention more than you let on, but you're getting so much of it right now that it's overwhelming. The new moon in Aquarius on the 9th is your opportunity to set intentions for your health, image and style over the next six months. Who do you want to see when you look in the mirror? Mars in your sign from the 13th heats things up and brings on extra stress, but luckily Venus then enters your sign on the 16th amping up your beauty while cooling things down. Stay true to yourself through it all and you will be rewarded.
Love Horoscope: You're getting lots of love and admiration from all directions this month and that includes a little bit of romance. You're usually attracted to people who are the polar opposite of you but meet someone unexpected on the 8th who has a ton of shared interests. Trust in your shared values and see where it goes.
Money Horoscope: The full moon in Virgo on the 24th lights up your shared resources sector and highlights how much your assets have grown since September. The end of the month brings a lineup of planets in your finance sector to help you finally stick to a budget.
So This Is Why the Aquarius Personality Is So Rare
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)New Moon in Aquarius (2/9): Delete Instagram from your phone
Full Moon in Virgo (2/24): A sweet proposal
Other Key Dates: 2/10, 2/18, 2/23, 2/24, 2/27, 2/29
The few weeks before your birthday are usually quite existential and this year is no different. February is a void month, at least until your season begins on the 18th. With most of the planets floating through Aquarius and your unconscious sector, you're either blissfully on retreat or worried about too many things that are out of your control. Probably a little bit of both. That being said, there's a lot of magic that comes when you surrender. What if all it takes to get what you want is to stop pushing so hard?
Love Horoscope: The full moon in Virgo does two great things for you: 1) it snaps you back to reality after a few weeks of living in la la land, and 2) it brings a breakthrough moment for your closest relationships. Whether you're ready to commit or it's time to split up, the answer will be clear by the 24th.
Money Horoscope: Be careful with your spending this month, especially after the 13th when Mars enters your unconscious sector, an influence that makes money disappear into the abyss if you're not watching it. Opportunities to increase your cash flow are coming later in the spring so now's the time to make sure you won't need to spend that influx on clearing debt.
Subscribe to Jaime Wright's newsletter for more musings on the stars.
3 Zodiac Signs with the Best Aesthetic Taste (and 2 That Could Care Less)
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An Astrological Guide To Friendship Compatibility
Friendship is a beautiful—and, at times, complicated—part of the human experience. When it comes to soulmates, we tend to think of romantic love, but we can also find that closeness in our chosen family and communities, creating essential but complex relationships.
While many factors influence this type of bond, astrology can give you a deeper understanding of yourself and others, helping you forge more aligned and supportive friendships. Though there are a myriad of components to consider when looking at compatibility in astrology, below, explore the basics of sun sign synastry—and see which other sun signs might make for great friends.
The Sun Sign in AstrologyIn a birth chart, the sun sign represents our life force, core identity, ego, and sense of self. It's how we shine the brightest and feel most aligned. In short, the zodiac sign the sun is in helps serve as a guide toward our authentic self, purpose, and mission.
Synastry is the practice of comparing one individual's astrological birth chart with another person's chart to gain insight into their compatibility and the dynamics of their relationship. While we'll just touch on the sun's synastry here, the process as a whole involves examining the positions of planets, signs, and aspects in both charts to understand the potential strengths and challenges in a connection. Below, find your sun sign and your favorite friend's, based on birth date, to uncover the synastry between you.
Getty + Design Leah Romero
Sun Sign CompatibilityAries (March 21-April 19)
Aries individuals are known for their energy, enthusiasm, and bold nature, so they often seek out friends who share their zest for life and adventure. Compatible signs for Aries include Leo and Sagittarius, as these fire signs align with Aries' high energy and appetite for new experiences. Coming in second are air signs, Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius, who energize Aries with new ideas and direction.
On the other hand, Aries can experience friction in friendships with earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, whose grounded and practical approach might clash with Aries' spontaneity. Additionally, the watery emotional nature of Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces can, at times, douse Aries' fiery desire to prioritize action over feelings.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Tauruses value stability, loyalty, and reliability in their friendships. They are most compatible with fellow earth signs, such as Virgo and Capricorn, as these signs share their grounded and practical approach to life. Coming in second are water signs, Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer, who can match a Taurus' loyalty.
Air signs, like Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, known for their detached nature, might create instability for security-loving Taurus. Additionally, the fiery and impulsive energy of Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo can also create tension, as they contrast with Taurus' more measured and steady approach.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Geminis thrive on intellectual stimulation. Compatible signs include Libra and Aquarius, as these air signs appreciate a Gemini's love of lively conversation and variety in friendships. Next on the friendship list would be Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius, who fire up Gemini's curiosity.
While a Gemini's communicative nature typically allows them to get along with a wide range of people, they might find challenges with earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. These signs tend to prioritize consistency and stability, which threatens Gemini's need for mental excitement. Finding common ground might require extra effort with water signs, Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio, as well.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Cancers are sensitive, so they align with friends who they can give—and from whom they can receive—emotional support and understanding. They are most compatible with fellow water signs, Scorpio and Pisces, who share and understand a Cancer's depth of feeling. After that, grounded earth signs, like Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, often come through for Cancer.
Cancer's nurturing and sensitive qualities might face challenges when interacting with air signs, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs often prioritize logic and communication over emotional depth, which can sometimes create friction with Cancer's emotional needs. Fire signs, Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo, can also burn a little brightly for this naturally internal and self-protective sign.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Leos value loyalty and admiration in their friendships and seek friends who appreciate their warmth and charisma. Aries and Sagittarius, fellow fire signs, are often compatible with Leo, as they share a love for adventure and excitement.
While Leos value loyalty, they might encounter challenges in friendships with earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. These signs can sometimes seem reserved or practical, which might not align with Leo's energetic desire for bold moves and forward momentum. Water signs, Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces, can also slow Leo's insatiable fire, requiring adjustment for the friendship to work.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Virgo's analytical and practical nature make them compatible with earth signs, like Taurus and Capricorn, as these signs appreciate a Virgo's reliability in their friendships. The emotionality of water signs, like Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, also balance out Virgo's typically stoic and grounded nature.
Virgo's analytical and practical approach to friendships can sometimes clash with the free-spirited nature of fire signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. These signs might find a Virgo to be overly critical or restrictive. Virgo can find mental alignment with air signs, such as Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius, but their inherent detachment might create internal friction for a Virgo who seeks routine and stability.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Libras seek balance in their relationships, making them compatible with fellow air signs, Gemini and Aquarius, who share Libra's cerebral and logical nature. Libra also tends to feel entertained and energized by the zeal of fire signs, like Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo.
Libra's pursuit of beauty and harmony might encounter difficulties in friendships with earth signs, like Virgo and Capricorn. These signs can sometimes prioritize practicality and prudence over Libra's indulgent need for the finer things. Taurus can appreciate Libra's appreciation for beauty, but Libra's airy nature might occasionally feel smothered by Taurus' stubbornness. Water signs, Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces, can also feel emotionally draining to Libras, who prefer to keep friendships light.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpios value depth and intensity in their friendships and are most compatible with fellow water signs, Cancer and Pisces, as these signs understand Scorpio's emotional complexity. Next for Scorpio are the earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, who provide structure in the emotional storm.
Scorpios might face challenges when interacting with air signs, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs might seem emotionally detached or too surface-level for Scorpio's liking. Fire signs, Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius, can also have the same effect. Scorpios are the secret keepers of the zodiac, and fire signs can mistakenly spill them, if not careful.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Sagittariuses are adventurous and open-minded, making them compatible with fire signs, Aries and Leo, who share their desire for exploration and new experiences. Air signs, Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius, also energize Sagittarius' iconic, freedom-loving nature.
However, Sagittariuses might sometimes clash with the grounded and steady vibe of earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. These signs might find Sagittarius' spontaneity too unpredictable. Water signs, Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces, can also cool down Sagittarius' inquisitive fire, slowing them down from getting to their next escapade.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorns love structure and ambition in their friendships and are most compatible with earth signs, Taurus and Virgo, as they share a Capricorn's responsible and grounded nature. Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer are also compatible and are known for helping Capricorns connect with their emotions.
But Capricorn's stability can pose a challenge in friendships with air signs, Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius. These signs might find Capricorn's stoicism and work ethic to be overly rigid. Friendships with fire signs, like Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries, might lead to distress for Capricorns, as they might feel pushed to venture beyond their usual comfort zone.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarians value independence and intellectual connection in their friendships and are most compatible with air signs, Gemini and Libra. Fire signs, Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo, are also typically compatible and appreciate their detached friendship style.
Aquarius' unemotional approach to life might trigger difficulties in friendships with water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These signs might seek deeper emotional bonds than Aquarius is accustomed to providing. Earth signs' rigid and, at times, traditional nature (looking at you, Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo) might challenge Aquarius' love for looking toward the future.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces tend to seek out friends who understand their emotional depth. They are most compatible with fellow water signs, Cancer and Scorpio, who share Pisces' sensitivity and fluidity. Earth signs, like Virgo, Capricorn, and Taurus, also help ground Pisces and give them direction.
Pisces might sometimes find challenges in friendships with air signs, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs might seem detached or too analytical for Pisces' liking. As a more fluid water sign, the fire signs can also feel jarring and challenging to keep up with for Pisces. This includes Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius.
ICYMI: Prime Video's I'm A Virgo Wrote Its Sweet Central Relationship In The Stars
Editor's Note: Welcome to ICYMI! With so much TV constantly premiering, we're highlighting some of the best shows you may have missed in the deluge of content from throughout the year. Join the Paste writers as we celebrate our underrated faves, the blink-and-you-missed-it series, and the perfect binges you need to make sure you see.
Last year's strikes from both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA dampened the releases of many television shows that came out from May to October, with little to no promotion to garner the attention of audiences. With both writers and actors unable to raise awareness for their projects, these shows might not have found the audiences they would have been able to otherwise. One such series was Boots Riley's incredible I'm a Virgo, a Prime Video limited series that deserved the eyes of every viewer who has access to the streamer.
Riley's series follows Cootie (Emmy Winner Jharrel Jerome), a 19 year-old, 13-foot tall Black man whose attempts to venture into the world are usually thwarted by his parents for fear of ostracization. Cootie's life has been mostly devoted to staying inside and entertaining himself away from the world, dreaming of eating a Bing-Bang Burger while his overprotective parents do everything in their power to keep the world away from him. It's Jharrel Jerome's empathetic lead performance (along with Riley's creative direction) that anchors this limited series into one that prevails at exploring the inner mental workings of growing up and experiencing the world for the first time. Cootie's journey into the world is one of natural curiosity and profound grace, a young man finding a new meaning to life by breaking free from the isolation imposed on him. He sees the world as a young child might, eyes open to any possibility around him. He doesn't know much about the world outside his bedroom, but knows enough about himself that, when asked to leave his house with his new friends for the first time, he responds with, "I'm a Virgo, and Virgos love adventure."
The series is great until Flora (Olivia Washington) is introduced, and then it becomes almost euphoric to watch. Cootie finally gets to go in and order a Bing-Bang Burger for the first time, meeting Flora in the process. In contrast to the way the other workers and patrons gawk at Cootie, she looks up to him with gentleness and kindness. Even after getting sick from eating there, Cootie returns to Bing-Bang Burger to see her, resulting in one of the most beautiful television scenes of 2023. When she walks up to take his order, an immediate connection is evident, two soft people finding one another in a world that cherishes toughness above all. He fumbles with his money (and words) while the "Cootie and Flora" theme plays, attempting seduction with bass in his voice and by pushing his hair out of his face. The scene is so charming, but ultimately ends in disappointment: Cootie fumbles his chance, and tells Flora he doesn't need anything else when she asks. However, he tries once again, going to order more food and unsuccessfully attempting conversation. He's awkward, but Flora doesn't care. She's enamored by his presence, and as we'll later learn, cosmically connected to Cootie—her sign, Pisces, is the sister sign to Virgo.
But Cootie and Flora are connected in more ways than just the stars. While they have an astrological compatibility, it's their similar life experiences that solidify their relationship. Flora's too quick for the world, often outpacing those around her. Though, being imperceivable to others isn't necessarily a problem to her, as she admits to Cootie that she's actually content being alone, a stark contrast to Cootie's desperate search for connection displayed throughout the series. The two's journey throughout the season is a natural progression of a relationship: seeing the love created between two people, the boredom that can come with being around them too much, the shared glances in between it all. I'm a Virgo is a series about much more than Cootie and Flora's relationship, but watching Cootie grow because of it is the clear highlight. There's an earnestness to every interaction between the two as Cootie learns how to navigate a relationship with someone outside of his immediate family. He's met new friends, sure, but he wasn't expecting to meet Flora on his burger quest. With so much happening in the short series, their relationship anchors it.
And in addition to her clear chemistry with Jerome, there's a magnetism to Washington within I'm a Virgo that will surely kick off a full and successful career after this series. There is a universe where the actress playing Flora isn't as empathetic and full of love, where this relationship and unique storyline might not have worked, but fortunately, it became the beating heart and soul of this off-beat series.
Whether or not you believe in astrology, you'll believe in this show. There was so much television missed last year due to the sheer volume coupled with the lack of promotion from creators and performers during the active strikes, but I'm a Virgo is a series that will hopefully find a second wind with audiences. While the entire story provides context to growing up and experiencing new things, it's the weight put on human connections that make for an unforgettable viewing experience. It's a series for those that look to the stars for understanding (and for Virgos who love adventure).
Watch on Amazon Prime
Tyler Doster is an entertainment writer and TV Editor of AwardsWatch based in Alabama, eternally searching for the best quote from Lisa Barlow. For all his thoughts on television and film, you can follow him on Twitter @tylermdoster.
For all the latest TV news, reviews, lists and features, follow @Paste_TV.
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