“The Inbetweeners,” the hit British teen comedy series that gave the world a foul-mouthed library of hilariously puerile quotes not to mention two hugely successful spin-off movies, looks set to make a comeback.
Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions, the company founded in 2015 by show creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, have struck an agreement which they say “paves the way for the return of the hit comedy title.” In what guise “The Inbetweeners” will return and on what platform is as yet unknown, although Morris and Beesley suggested it would revolve around the original characters.
“Incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh friends),” they said in a statement.
Originally broadcast on E4 in the U.K. between 2008 and 2019, “The Inbetweeners” follows the misadventures of suburban teenager Will MacKenzie and his friends Simon Cooper, Neil Sutherland and Jay Cartwright at the fictional Rudge Park Comprehensive as they navigated school life, friendship, male bonding, lad culture and failed sexual encounters. It was originally conceived as a more realistic counterpoint to fellow hit Brit teen show “Skins,” showcasing an adolescence that is awkward and — as Morris suggested at the time — mostly “crap.”
Over three series “The Inbetweeners” set new ratings records for the channel and won multiple awards. Two hit movies followed, released in 2011 and 2014 respectively. The first set a record for the biggest opening weekend for a U.K. comedy at the time of its release with the sequel also breaking box office records.
Made by Bwark Productions, the original company founded by Morris and Beesley, which later sold to Zodiak Media (acquired by Banijay in 2016), the new deal unlocks what is described as “the rights and the potential to bring ‘The Inbetweeners’ back for new audiences across a range of platforms including film, tv and stage.”
“We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with Banijay who share our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic comedies in British history,” said Jonathan Blyth, managing director of Fudge Park. “This is a wonderful moment for fans, there are exciting conversations afoot and more news to follow.”
Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK added: “I have worked with Damon and Iain on a number of Fudge Park projects over the years and was delighted to pick up the conversation about the future of ‘The Inbetweeners’ with them. They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audience old and new so I can’t wait to get going.”
Banijay Rights are distributors of “The Inbetweeners.”
Since ending the series, Morris and Beesley have worked on numerous projects, both together and apart, and teamed on “The Festival” comedy film and later the BBC series ‘The First Team.” Beesley also created the series “White Gold,” starring many of “The Inbetweeners” cast, while Morris co-wrote sports comedy “Next Goal Wins” alongside Taika Waititi, was among the creators of Apple series “Time Bandits” and recently directed Netflix feature “My Oxford Year.”
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