Super Soundtrack: “Pen15” on Hulu [Season 2, Part 2]

On paper, this show should not work at all. 30-somethings Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine play fictionalized younger, teenage versions of themselves as characters named, get this, Anna and Maya. Nonetheless, here we are sad that the final batch of episodes have just been released. This combination presents us with some of the most embarrassing and cringeworthy (but all too relatable) moments from our teenage years.

What started out as a show relying on the “adults playing kids” premise to sell the show has morphed into one of the most striking and resonating shows out there. Drawing upon their own lives for inspiration, it feels like we have all lived the same lives when they reach into the past and pull out the most awkward moments of middle and high school that we suppressed deep inside ourselves. It’s consistently funny, surprisingly emotional, and extremely impressive.

Part 2 of season 2 dives into our characters like never before, and we even have episodes devoted entirely to some less-than-main-characters like Maya’s mom Yuki (played by Maya Erskine’s real-life mother Mutsuko Erskine!!) and Anna’s grandma Grammy.

As great as the show itself is, so is the music. Let’s dive into the songs featured in this final set of episodes…

Episode 8: “Bat Mitzvah”

“Demirep” by Bikini Kill

Heard playing over the opening credits of every episode

“Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65

Heard at the bat mitzvah

“Whatever Lola Wants” by Lola Haag

Girl sings it at her bat mitzvah as she is being carried into the party by two men

“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

Heard at the bat mitzvah

“Electric Boogie (Electric Slide)” by Marcia Griffiths

Heard at the bat mitzvah

“Let Me Tell You” by Smooth Approach

Heard while girl is opening Maya’s gift

“A Friend” by Crystal’s Image

Heard at the bat mitzvah when Maya sneaks back the necklace

“I Swear” by All-4-One

Heard at the bat mitzvah

Episode 9: “Shadow”

None

Episode 10: “Yuki”

“Cross Talk” by Francis Coppieters

Heard as Yuki is seen entering the restaurant carrying her suitcase

“Omaeto Futari” by Hiroshi Itsuki

Heard while Yuki is having the day to herself

“Titled (Yojimbo)” by Masaru Satoh

Heard while Yuki is following a mystery man through the grocery store

“Kara Tachi Nikki” by Shimakura Chiyoko

Heard while Yuki and the mystery man are talking

“Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick

Heard when Yuki picks to play the song on the jukebox

“Song For A Friend (Combo Version)” by Peter Erskine

Heard playing over the end credits

Episode 11: “Grammy”

None

Episode 12: “Luminaria”

“Smooth” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas

Heard while Maya gets broken up with over the phone and then again later on in the episode

Episode 13: “Runaway”

“California Baby” by Jerry Burnham & Wayne Cook

Heard playing over the end credits

Episode 14: “Home”

“Of Pressure” by Mirah

Heard while Anna and Maya are walking down the stairs to the basement

Season 2 Part 2 of Pen15 is now streaming on Hulu.