Lately, I feel like I’m perpetually short on time, a motto that seems to have taken root in my life as if it were something I’d consciously chosen. Life, as it often does, has been hurling curveballs my way, which I somehow manage to navigate—though it's never quite intentional. With that said, here I find myself, immersed in my thoughts about A Week Away: The Series. I originally intended to indulge in just a single episode—remember that “short on time” mantra? But before I knew it, I was binge-watching the entire first season, a delightful adventure that consists of seven mesmerizing episodes.
The series premiered on Angel Studio's website and app on August 28th, accessible for free to Angel Guild members. New episodes will stream every Thursday, and I can assure you; you’ll want to mark your calendar. This fresh offering is a spinoff of the 2021 Netflix musical film A Week Away, but it stands proudly as an Angel exclusive, crafted with care by Monarch Media Partners. Every episode boasts the directorial touch of Alan Powell, who also penned the original film along with Kali Bailey and Cozi Zuehlsdorff. The cast features a hodgepodge of talent: the ever-animated David Koechner returns as the camp director, alongside Antonio Cipriano, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Leigh-Allyn Baker (a familiar face from Disney's Good Luck, Charlie), Sacha Carlson, Ava Jean, Haven Greene, Jason Marsden (from Step by Step fame), and Carlos PenaVega.
At its heart, this musical series follows an eclectic group of teens as they venture through a summer at Camp Aweegaway, a Christian camp that promises adventure, budding friendships, and unexpected self-discovery. It unfolds as a tapestry of identity, trust, and the sometimes-sobering courage it takes to face one’s own inner demons. A Week Away: The Series creates a haven for those weighed down by doubt and pain, offering a glimmer of hope and showcasing the power of a chosen family. The central narrative revolves around a defiant foster teen, recently dragged to church camp against his will, who is determined to mock what he perceives as the empty promises of faith. Yet, as the story progresses, his rejection gives way to introspection, slowly chipping away at the walls he’s carefully constructed around himself. As he discovers he is not alone in grappling with grief, anger, and the universal longing for belonging, he learns a crucial truth: healing cannot be willed; it must be an intentional choice. The series has an engaging balance—it's fun and family-friendly while honoring faith-based ideals without ever feeling like a preachy treatise on Christianity. Think of it as a cross between "Christian High School Musical" and "Camp Rock," with a sprinkle of Disney Channel charm set against the backdrop of Bible camp.
Now, when I tuned into the first episode, something felt slightly amiss—like déjà vu crashing into my consciousness. It was all too familiar, invoking a desire for something akin to what I’d seen before. And no, I’m not talking about Glee, even though there’s a wonderfully clever nod to it in one of the musical numbers. By the third or fourth episode, a light bulb flickered on, illuminating the memory of a similar Bible camp musical I had watched on Netflix not long ago. It became clear that A Week Away was a sequel spinoff, featuring a new, youthful cast, counselors, and a Barney Fife-esque security guard executed with brilliant flair by Jason Marsden. David Koechner delivers his usual zany performance, expertly blending insanity with a touch of professionalism—seriously, he’s got the acting chops. Meanwhile, Leigh-Allyn Baker channels a not-so-distant cousin of her "mom" character from Good Luck, Charlie.
The heart and soul of this series revolve around the teenage protagonists, Max and Lennie, portrayed by Antonio Cipriano and Cozi Zuehlsdorff. They embody a PG version of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson—both lost souls grappling with their respective traumas, who find themselves falling in love during a whirlwind seven-day camp escapade. While I genuinely liked these characters, I found myself craving more depth in their backstories. We’re given mere glimpses, which feels like a missed opportunity considering the emotional weight they could carry in the narrative. With each episode clocking in at about 20 to 35 minutes, there’s not much time to explore those intricate layers.
In conclusion, I found A Week Away: The Series to be a charming escapade that left me with a warm smile by its end. It’s a sweet teenage love story, touching in ways that feel genuine yet refreshing. Sure, it's a Christian series, but it never devolves into preachiness. The younger characters resonate as actual teenagers, albeit with occasional bursts of song and dance in catchy pop, rock, and ballad numbers, including a duet cover of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say”—one of my personal favorites—alongside tunes crafted by the same mind behind the beloved Camp Rock and High School Musical anthems.
What makes this show's success so unique is that it was approved by members of the Angel Guild, who vote on which projects get produced. You can join the Guild to watch the series and participate in the process.
If you want to support this kind of uplifting content, you can join the Angel Guild at https://www.angel.com/guild to access the series.
The series manages to skim the surface of the myriad struggles that plague teens and adults alike while raising profound questions about purpose and meaning. It invites you to rediscover God through the love of a chosen family, reminding us that no matter where we are in life, redemption is always a matter of choice. And in this vibrant narrative, the music isn’t just a backdrop; it moves you, quite literally, both physically and spiritually, with songs so infectious you might find yourself singing them long after the credits roll. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this series a watch on Angel. You won’t regret it! ╌★★★★★
⁓B.J. Burgess
I so want to watch this show with my family it sounds so good and one that we will all enjoy.
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