Granderson: What the audience has learned since the first ‘Devil Wears Prada’

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You know those movies? The ones you just have to finish, even if you catch them halfway through? I’m talking about the films that pull you in, no matter the circumstances. I’ve definitely found myself glued to the screen even with commercials interrupting, or even in the most ridiculous viewing situations – like a silent, grainy picture on a tiny TV in a noisy bar. Those are the movies that really stick with you.

For two decades, “The Devil Wears Prada” has resonated with many Americans who started their careers facing the end of traditional pensions and the rise of student loan debt. Those in Generation X experienced a particularly strong impact from the 2008 housing crisis, as they had previously achieved high rates of homeownership. Simultaneously, this generation is increasingly responsible for supporting both their aging parents and adult children. Research from Pew shows that over half of people in their 40s, and more than a third of those in their 50s, are in this ‘sandwich generation’ situation, all while facing financial strain due to wages that haven’t kept pace with the increasing cost of living.

The current top movie, a biography showing Michael Jackson’s journey from his beginnings in Gary, Indiana in 1966 to becoming a global superstar by 1988, might bring back memories for those who grew up in Generation X. But the new movie ‘Devil 2,’ which comes out this Friday, feels more like a critical look at the original.

Twenty years ago, we left Andrea Sachs rejecting a high-powered corporate job because she refused to compromise her values to get ahead. Back in 2006, her decision to leave a difficult workplace felt empowering for many young professionals. But over time, it’s become clear that ‘work/life balance’ is often unrealistic, and while qualities like honesty and dedication are praised, they don’t always translate into measurable results at work.

I really enjoyed the first “Devil Wears Prada” – its over-the-top comedy, style, and music were great. But what made it a truly special, memorable film – earning it an Oscar nomination and a dedicated following – was its honesty. Like classic coming-of-age stories such as “The Graduate,” “American Graffiti,” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Devil” felt truthful, even with all the glamour and fashion. The reason it deserves a sequel is that Andrea Sachs’s struggles – being broke, chasing a dream job, and dealing with relationships – are relatable to so many of us. We’ve all been there.

Nigel’s seemingly funny line to Sachs – “Tell me when your life falls apart… that’s when you deserve a promotion” – was actually a hint of things to come. It suggested that simply being skilled at your job isn’t always enough to guarantee job security, a lesson many young professionals eventually learn.

We’re seeing this happen more and more. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that over 200,000 people lost their jobs due to corporate layoffs in the first three months of 2026. But things haven’t always been this way.

For the thirty years following World War II, workers’ wages generally kept pace with how much the country was producing. This was partly because, during the Cold War, companies offered benefits like pensions and encouraged union membership. They wanted to keep workers happy and demonstrate that capitalism was better than communism. But when the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, companies had less reason to share profits with their employees. The trend of wages falling behind productivity began around 1970, and the difference has continued to grow ever since.

Twenty years ago, it seemed reasonable that someone with a promising career would leave a good job rather than sacrifice their principles. But today’s work environment is much different. With worries about job security and the rise of artificial intelligence, would we still admire someone making that same choice? Or would we expect them to be more practical and let go of youthful ideals? Many of us have come to accept that compromise is often necessary to stay employed, even if our younger selves wouldn’t approve. Experience teaches us that’s just how most people manage to build a lasting career.

YouTube: @LZGrandersonShow

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2026-05-01 13:31