So Fetch

The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We’re Still So Obsessed With It)

By: Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky

People Best New Book

The inside story of the making of Mean Girls – and our enduring 20-year obsession with it

Released in 2004, iconic teen comedy Mean Girls remains as relevant now as ever. But what made an adaptation of a parenting guide by SNL writer Tina Fey so successful? And why, two decades later, can we all just not stop quoting it?

Drawing on revealing interviews with the director, cast and crew, Jennifer Keishin Armstrong takes us behind the scenes of the film’s genesis, production and release. From how it shaped the Millennial generation to how it has intertwined with tabloid, meme and LGBTQ+ culture, So Fetch is also the first deep dive into what makes Mean Girls such an influential phenomenon.

Part love letter, part cultural commentary, this is an unmissable read for anyone who is still ‘like, obsessed’ with all things Mean Girls twenty years on.

©2023 Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

Critic reviews

‘The definitive story of one of the greatest teen comedies in Hollywood history. A brilliant, captivating deep dive.’ Andy Greene, author of The Office

‘funny, clear-eyed, full of unexpected insights and superb reporting, and a must for any comedy fan.’ Saul Austerlitz, author of Generation Friends

‘Armstrong’s account of the shooting of Mean Girls emulates the breezy enjoyability of the film while offering thoughtful commentary on how “taking young women’s problems seriously while also being very funny” proved central to the film’s appeal. Fans will be riveted.’ Publishers Weekly