Youngers. Image shows from L to R: Jay (Calvin Demba), Davina (Shavani Seth), Yemi (Ade Oyefeso). Copyright: Big Talk Productions
Youngers

Youngers

  • TV comedy drama
  • E4
  • 2013 - 2014
  • 16 episodes (2 series)

Comedy drama set in South East London following three young friends trying to get a music deal. Stars Calvin Demba, Ade Oyefeso, Shavani Seth, Arinzé Kene, Joivan Wade and more.

Press clippings

The trio try to balance credibility with their commercial side in this week's serving of the teen comedy-drama. Jay, Yemi and Davina have landed their first paid gig, thanks to mentor Ashley (Arinze Kene) - a Super Sweet 16-style bash for Harry, a miniature Tim Westwood who's apparently mates with Kano. When girlfriend Louise goes into labour, Ash has to dash, leaving his proteges with the task of impressing Harry's record mogul dad. Unfortunately, things turn messy - quite literally - in a riotous episode.

Hannah J. Davies, The Guardian, 28th May 2014

This popular teen comedy-drama following south London musical trio Jay, Yemi and Davina (Calvin Demba, Ade Oyefeso and Shavani Seth) is back for a second series and eight more episodes. Following their bust-up at the end of the last series, the Youngers are no more, with Yemi an unwillingly convert to gospel, Jay laying down tracks with a novice pal and Davina struggling to go it alone. Of course, it's not long before their paths cross again, in an opener that finds the show as lighthearted and likable as ever.

Hannah J. Davies, The Guardian, 7th May 2014

Youngers preview

If you're a teenager, especially living in London, you've probably heard of Youngers, an E4 comedy drama which follows a group of teenagers from South London who want to become the next big thing in the music industry.

Elliot Gonzalez, I Talk Telly, 7th May 2014

Levi David Addai interview

Levi David Addai is the writer and creator of Youngers.

Channel 4, 6th May 2014

E4 orders more Youngers

E4 has ordered eight more episodes of its South London-based comedy drama, Youngers.

British Comedy Guide, 27th June 2013

YouTube jammers Mandem On The Wall play a pivotal role as this excellent comedy drama cranks up to its grand finale. With the Youngers lined up to play the Avengerz Krew Mixtape launch night, could there possibly be a happy ending in sight? Beyond the fresh new talent, what has made this series, starring Calvin Demba a stand-out act is its commitment to the music, which has a life outside the series - check out the E4 microsite for links. Now that's what we call inspired interactive integration.

Carol Carter and Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Metro, 8th May 2013

Words like "gritty" and "urban" have been used to describe E4's new teen drama, which rather misses the point; at its heart, Youngers is a sweet tale of friendship between swaggering wannabe MC Jay and thoughtful production whizz-kid Yemi. Perfectly paced in half-hour chunks, the show manages to maintain both its energy as well as a keen understanding of plot and character. Not for everyone, but plenty will find much to enjoy here.

Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian, 13th April 2013

The title means boys who are old enough to have an interest in adult matters, without being mature enough to mix it with grown-ups. Set on a London housing estate, Youngers follows two best friends who get their GCSE results in episode one and are in the process of growing apart, despite their shared love of music: one's a straight-A student the other a life-loving lothario. It's a familiar set-up for a teen drama, livened by crisp writing and two excellent leads: Calvin Demba and Ade Oysfeso.

Jack Seale, Radio Times, 6th April 2013

Episode three of E4's music comedy-drama is packed full of teen awkwardness. A scorned Jodie circulates Jay's (Calvin Demba) collection of BlackBerry selfies, rendering him a Peckham pariah. Meanwhile, there are cringeworthy scenes galore for Yemi (Ade Oyefeso) as he continues to court Davina under the pretence of advancing her musical career. He can hardly conceal his crush, resorting to a fake phone call to feign popularity. Comedic, convincing take on today's teens, lapses in common sense and all.

Hannah J Davies, The Guardian, 3rd April 2013

This south London-set comedy drama about two teenage would-be rappers manages to be a curious mix of hip and heartfelt. It isn't hard-nosed and edgy but slickly directed and genuinely funny, with a very personable cast telling a familiar story. There are some nice touches, too, such as the cheeky young Greek Chorus who sit on the wall, constantly giving grief to the main characters. In tonight's episode Jay (Calvin Demba) attempts to get his phone back after the bust-up at the nightclub and Yemi (Ade Oyefeso) invites Davina (Shavani Seth) to his bedroom studio to do some recording.

Simon Horsford, The Telegraph, 2nd April 2013

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