Big Boys returning for Series 3
- Jack Rooke's hit sitcom is returning for a third series, with production on further episodes underway
- Plot details and new cast additions for the comedy, which has run for two series on Channel 4, are currently under wraps
- Rooke has suggested that his next project may signal a change of direction, "a bloody gangster story, or a horror"
Big Boys is returning for a third series, British Comedy Guide can exclusively confirm.
Plot and cast details for the latest episodes of Jack Rooke's award-winning sitcom are currently under wraps. But production is now underway, with Jim Archer (Brian And Charles) returning to direct and Bertie Peek (Top Coppers) once again producing for Roughcut (Stath Lets Flats, Things You Should Have Done).
Rooke, who won a Bafta for comedy writing in April for the loosely autobiographical series, about university students dealing with grief, sexuality, friendship and mental health, starring Dylan Llewellyn, Jon Pointing and Katy Wix, has previously hinted strongly at the hit show's return.
Speaking to the Radio Times at the awards, he said that "we would like to do more ... Maybe we'll meet up really soon and just film it anyway ..."
Channel 4 has yet to confirm to BCG that it will air the sitcom's third series, leaving open the possibility that it might yet appear on a rival channel.
Also starring Olisa Odele, Izuka Hoyle, Camille Coduri, Harriet Webb and Annette Badland, Series 2 ended in February, with most of the main cast surrounding Shannon (Webb) in the maternity ward, before the episode closed with a repeat cameo.
Reviews for the sitcom's 12 episodes since it first aired in 2022 have been strong.
The Guardian called it "warm and funny, but with a melancholic undertow that fades in and out as the episode - and the series - goes on, but never disappears entirely", while the Telegraph described it as a "bubbly sitcom" but "also a sensitively handled study of friendship and loss", and "[t]he heartfelt bits are skilfully woven around more standard comedy".
Speaking to GQ less than a fortnight ago, though, Rooke has suggested that his next project might signal a change of direction.
"The next thing I write I want to be completely different ... a bloody gangster story, or a horror."
13th June update: Channel 4 confirm Series 3
Channel 4 has confirmed the plot for Series 3, saying: "Our gang enter their final year at Brent Uni, with all the ups and downs of dissertations, deadlines, dating and the devastating departure of Louis Walsh from X-Factor (for Jack anyway!). Peggy and Shannon embark on new romances and never-ending nappy changes, whilst Jack and Danny's friendship is tested to its limits as they realise proper adult life is coming. Will the boys still choose each other like before, or will this be the end of the road?"
Jack Rooke says: "It's been 10 years since I actually graduated uni and now yet again I'm returning to my campus with a clapperboard & film crew to recreate the embarrassing endeavours of my youth. It is just a dream job! The response to Series 2 has been beautiful and we're so grateful this show continues to connect with and get discovered by so many weird and wonderful viewers. Big Boys is the closest I'll ever feel to being in a girl band and we're all desperate to come back like a pack of rabid dogs and put on a sexy, cringey, big funny show for you all!"
Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, adds: "Big Boys is a snowball of a comedy show for us; with Series 2 growing hugely from the already successful and critically lauded Series 1. It seems to connect with everyone - from the young to the old, from the comedy aficionados to hun-culture huns. We're thrilled to be back with Jack and the Roughcut team again and excited for people to see what's next for the show's motley crew."
Executive producer Ash Atalla notes: "What a beautiful journey this series continues to be. There aren't many shows that have made me both laugh and cry in the edit, and we are so proud of this comedy that makes you feel something so visceral."