Yup. The Inbetweeners is making a comeback, and the original four might be back in their roles. Originally reported in Variety, creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley confirmed they’ve signed a deal with Banijay UK to bring the show back, potentially even next year. This may be great news for some, but if you’ve kept an eye on recent trends, this is more akin to seeing your dead, buried childhood pet being dug up and puppeteered like a French marionette: simply horrifying.
The classic Inbetweeners was a product of its time — a juvenile, jovial, and jarring bit of fun featuring characters and situations that felt ripped straight from our awkward teenage years. From making an idiot out of yourself in front of a girl to knowing that one mate who talked utter waffle non-stop (including stories of knocking out five boxers in a nightclub for glancing at his supermodel girlfriend), it all felt painfully familiar.
The Inbetweeners thrived as a snapshot of a cringe and crass looking glass into a cultural backdrop that has changed drastically. However, it is rare to see that style succeed without major caveats. Disney has made a push to remake their classic animated films, but with added CGI and some altered scenes in an effort to modernise. But in doing this, they often dilute the charm of the originals in the process. The result is a glossy, risk-averse echo of what once felt authentic and alive.
Or do we now face the terrifying, overdone reality that the boys are now middle-aged men and must learn to fit in again with society?
It has been 15 years since the original show ended with high acclaim from critics and fans alike, citing the two-season show as “comedy genius”.
Meanwhile, six years have passed since the slow-motion trainwreck that was Fwends Reunited: The Inbetweeners 10th Anniversary Special, which received far less praise.
“It was a car crash. Actually, put me off watching Inbetweeners for a while. Can’t believe they aired it.”
A Reddit user’s biting feedback on The Inbetweeners reunion.
The best way to remember The Inbetweeners might just be to leave them exactly where they are: in the awkward past. Just for old time’s sake, don’t make a bus wanker out of me.
