Plot Synopsis

Inspired by the life of Joanna Coles, chief content officer of Hearst Magazines, THE BOLD TYPE is a one-hour drama series that explores the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for the global women's magazine "Scarlet." The rising generation of "Scarlet" women leans on one another as they find their own voices in a sea of intimidating leaders. Together they explore sexuality, identity, love and fashion. The series opens with the newly promoted writer Jane becoming unsettled when Jacqueline assigns her a big story -- writing about why her ex broke up with her. Kat chases a story about outspoken photographer Adena, but is confused by her strong connection to the woman. Meanwhile, Sutton tries not to feel left behind by her best friends as she still toils in the assistant ranks. But she shocks them when they uncover a major secret Sutton has been keeping -- her scandalous affair with lusted-after "Scarlet" magazine lawyer Richard. Then, Kat finds herself questioning her identity as she continues to spend time with Adena. Jane is horrified when she is tasked with writing Scarlet's sex column -- especially when her story turns intensely personal. And Sutton is given an opportunity to advance at Scarlet, but questions if it's what she really wants to be doing with her life. On Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT, Freeform debuted the pilot as a series sneak peek, with the official two-hour series premiere on Tuesday, July 11 from 9-11pm.

Season 2 of THE BOLD TYPE premiered on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 from 8-10pm ET/PT, as Freeform debuted back-to-back new episodes. In the season opener, "Feminist Army," Jane is excited to publish her first big piece for Incite, especially since she's writing about a female CEO she admires and she knows Jacqueline will be reading it. Sutton is thrown when a new corporate policy seems to give her and Richard the green light on their romance. Adena grows frustrated when Kat seems too eager to flaunt their burgeoning relationship. Then, in the second episode, "Rose Colored Glasses," believing it shouldn't matter, Kat bristles when Alex recommends she highlight that she is black in her company bio. However, while introducing her parents to Adena, Kat is forced to confront how her avoidance of labels has affected her life. Sutton is horrified when she discovers her fellow fashion assistants think she was asked to organize a photo shoot featuring "honorable men" for reasons other than her talent. Jane tries to defend herself after the fallout from her Incite article, which doesn't go as planned.

THE BOLD TYPE returned for its third season on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT on Freeform. Picking up right after the heartbreak, romances and uncertainties from the Season 2 finale in Paris, Jane, Kat and Sutton are back in New York City and dealing with the aftermath of some major decisions. Scarlet Magazine brings in Patrick Duchand to run the digital branch, effectively knocking Jacqueline down to only running the print magazine. Meanwhile, Jane has picked her guy but is frustrated that a man is put in charge of a women's magazine. Kat struggles to keep up happy appearances on social media and as a speaker at the Scarlet Summit while secretly suffering heartache. Sutton and Richard enjoy their romance in the limelight and discuss moving in together. Throughout Season 3, Jane, Kat and Sutton continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be young women juggling careers and love lives while embracing their identities. The series also continues to explore important issues, both political and personal, such as workplace harassment, female reproductive rights, data hacking and racial profiling, among others.

The fourth season of THE BOLD TYPE premiered on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on Freeform. In Season 4, Jane, Kat and Sutton raise their voices louder than ever in the battle for Scarlet's soul. The magazine is left reeling by a new dynamic, forcing everyone -- including Jacqueline -- to adjust. Jane faces tough choices living with her BCRA-1 status. Sutton and Richard explore being in a long-distance relationship, while Sutton struggles move her career forward; Kat is more determined than ever to make the most of her platform at Scarlet and copes with past regrets. In the season opener, "Legends of the Fall Issue," Scarlet reels over their new dynamic, forcing everyone to adjust. Jane tries to cope with the changes to Jacqueline's role at the magazine and joins forces with Kat and Sutton to make it clear how much she means to them. Sutton takes stock of her position at Scarlet, as Richard considers a world outside it. Kat butts heads with RJ Safford over his response to the new direction of the magazine. On Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT, Freeform debuted the summer premiere of THE BODY TYPE. During the recent midseason finale, Kat, Jane and Sutton each faced life-altering changes in both their personal and professional lives. Sutton and Richard tied the knot, but their relationship will continue to be bicoastal since Sutton was finally promoted to Scarlet stylist. Jane was given her own vertical but ended things with Ryan when she learned the true extent of his betrayal and went forward with her double mastectomy. Kat took a stand when she once again went up against RJ Safford about his personal beliefs but lost her job at Scarlet in the process. In the upcoming episodes, Jane struggles to come to terms with her new body and manage her new responsibilities at Scarlet. Sutton revels in her new roles as Mrs. Hunter and stylist, but then receives shocking news which upends her world. Kat tries to find a new direction in her life. Series star Melora Hardin directs the second episode of the summer season in her episodic television directing debut. In the mid-season debut, "Leveling Up," three months after surgery, Jane returns to Scarlet with new editorial duties. Kat faces a hard truth when she's forced to take some responsibility. Sutton goes to bat on her first shoot and gets some shocking news that upends her world.

THE BOLD TYPE returned for its fifth and final season on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT on Freeform. In the season opener, "Trust Fall," Jane races to finish a high-risk expose that could have repercussions for Jacqueline. Sutton has a chance to shine at a Scarlet retreat if she can regain her focus. And Kat wants to stay true to herself while making a big decision. Carson Kressley guest stars as himself in the season debut.
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On Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT, Freeform premiered "I Expect You to Have Adventures," the series finale of THE BOLD TYPE. After a season of big changes and hard decisions, the future looks bright...but it's always full of surprises. Jane, Kat and Sutton each face huge choices and evaluate their own paths.