The dawn of a new television obsession is approaching, and it carries the rhythmic splash of oars and the intense heat of a prep school scandal. While the average viewer might not be inclined to wake up for a 5 a.m. practice, Netflix is betting that audiences will be more than willing to climb aboard for Crew Girl, the streaming giant’s latest venture into the competitive and emotionally charged world of young adult romance. Set to premiere on September 10, the series promises a blend of athletic grit and the kind of complicated interpersonal dynamics that have become a hallmark of modern YA storytelling.
At the heart of the narrative is Teagan Tao, portrayed by Miku Martineau. Teagan isn’t just another student arriving at the prestigious Easton Prep; she is a young woman seeking sanctuary. Following a family scandal that upended her life on the West Coast, she relocates to the tony East Coast institution for a fresh start. However, Teagan soon finds that the "fresh start" she envisioned requires navigating a male-dominated environment. When she discovers that Easton Prep lacks a girls’ rowing team, she doesn’t retreat. Instead, she breaks tradition by joining the boys’ varsity crew team, taking on the pivotal and high-pressure role of coxswain.
The transition from a single sculls specialist to the leader of a skeptical boys’ team provides the friction that drives the series forward. Rowing, as Martineau noted in a recent discussion, is far more than just a physical pursuit. "Rowing is a sport that involves so much emotion and so much tension," she explained, highlighting the intrinsic connection between the sport’s requirements and the themes of a coming-of-age story. According to Martineau, the sport demands a level of respect, communication, and synchronization that mirrors the messy process of growing up and finding one’s place in a community.
The physical demands of the role were not merely scripted for the cameras. To ensure the rowing sequences looked authentic, the cast underwent a rigorous training process that tested their endurance and commitment. Martineau, a 21-year-old Toronto native, found herself balancing the intense physical demands of rowing training with a grueling professional schedule. At the time, she was simultaneously filming an upcoming sci-fi project, which meant she was often heading straight from night shoots on one set to the early morning mist of the rowing docks for the other. This level of dedication speaks to the "all-in" attitude the production required of its young stars.
Beyond the water, the series leans into a classic yet compelling love triangle that is sure to divide fans. Teagan finds herself caught between two very different teammates. On one side is Josh Regis, played by Sam Braun. Josh is the team’s captain—cocky, capable, and perhaps a bit too accustomed to getting what he wants. On the other side is Cam Dillinger, played by Kyle Clark. Cam is described as the "scholarship kid with a heart of gold," a character whose quiet drive and intellectual connection with Teagan create a different kind of spark. The chemistry between Teagan and these two vastly different young men forms the emotional backbone of the first season.
Interestingly, the dynamics of the cast off-camera mirrored the "new girl" storyline in unexpected ways. Much of the supporting cast is based in Vancouver, a city that has become a hub for young acting talent. Because of this, many of the actors already shared a history and a shorthand before the first day of filming. Sam Braun noted that this pre-existing bond created a "really special chemistry" on set. However, Martineau found herself in the exact position of her character. "I didn’t know any of them," she admitted, reflecting on her status as the outsider entering an established group. Despite being the newcomer, she praised her co-stars for their welcoming attitudes, noting that everyone arrived with a desire to build genuine friendships.
This camaraderie has extended beyond the filming schedule. Kyle Clark joked about the lasting impact of the show’s athletic focus, particularly regarding Sam Braun. Clark noted that Braun seems to have leaned most heavily into the "athletic lifestyle" since the show wrapped, even taking up ultramarathons. While the rest of the cast might not be ready to join him on a fifty-mile run just yet, the shared experience of the "grueling" training has clearly left a lasting impression on the group.
For viewers looking to familiarize themselves with the faces of Easton Prep, the Crew Girl roster features a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans. Miku Martineau, despite being a relative newcomer, has already built a diverse resume. Since her debut in the 2021 thriller Kate, she has moved seamlessly between genres, appearing in the Paramount+ film Star Trek: Section 31 and the series Bet. Her background as a singer and voice actress adds another layer to her performance as Teagan, a character who must find her voice in a world that initially wants her to stay quiet.
Kyle Clark, who plays the earnest Cam, is a familiar face to fans of Canadian-filmed dramas. With previous appearances on Riverdale and The Baby-Sitters Club, Clark is well-versed in the nuances of YA storytelling. In Crew Girl, he is given the opportunity to step into a more prominent spotlight, portraying a character who must balance the pressures of a scholarship with the distractions of a complicated romance.
Sam Braun, taking on the role of the competitive Josh Regis, has been in the industry since he was a child. Making his debut in Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters over a decade ago, Braun has steadily built a career with roles in Superman & Lois and Firefly Lane. His portrayal of Josh is expected to be a highlight, blending the arrogance of a top-tier athlete with the vulnerability that comes from a heated romantic rivalry.
Adding a layer of prestige to the production is Jessica Paré, who plays Teagan’s mother, Ella Tao. Paré is perhaps best known to international audiences for her breakout role as Megan Draper on Mad Men, where her performance of "Zou Bisou Bisou" became a cultural touchstone. With a career that includes a long-standing role on SEAL Team, Paré brings a seasoned presence to the series, portraying a mother navigating the fallout of a family scandal alongside her daughter.
The adult world of Easton Prep is further represented by Thomas Cadrot, who plays the team’s coach, Matt Hayden. Cadrot, a multilingual actor born in Paris and based in Vancouver, is a veteran of the screen with credits ranging from Supernatural and The Flash to major films like Scream VI. His character serves as the bridge between the students’ personal dramas and the disciplined world of competitive sports.
The student body is rounded out by several other notable talents. Connor Paton plays Ryder Regis, Josh’s brother and teammate, bringing a sibling dynamic to the crew. Paton’s previous work includes Riverdale and a turn as Lance Bass in the Lifetime biopic Britney Ever After. Jude Wilson, another Riverdale alum and a veteran of the critically acclaimed Fellow Travelers, plays Bronson “Baloo” Garner, a key member of the rowing team.
Finally, the social hierarchy of Easton Prep is shaped by Sage Linder, Alaska Leigh, and Olga Petsa, who play Teagan’s classmates Britney, Amber, and Juliet. These three characters represent the "highbrow ropes" of the school, serving as both guides and potential obstacles for Teagan as she attempts to find her footing. Each of these actresses brings a wealth of experience from the Canadian and international acting scenes, from Linder’s time on The Next Step to Petsa’s appearance in the anthology series Black Mirror.
As the premiere date of September 10 approaches, the buzz surrounding Crew Girl continues to build. By combining the high-stakes environment of competitive rowing with the universal themes of scandal, identity, and first love, the series is positioned to be a standout in Netflix’s autumn lineup. Whether viewers come for the intense sports action or the simmering romance of the Teagan-Josh-Cam triangle, they are likely to stay for the compelling performances of a cast that truly put in the work—both on the water and off. In a world of fast-paced digital connections, Crew Girl offers a reminder that sometimes, the most significant progress is made one stroke at a time.
