Ooh, Friends! The Inbetweeners Gang Is Officially Returning!

Get ready to put on your yellow wellies, because your favourite "bus ws" are coming back! That's right, the iconic British teen comedy, The Inbetweeners, is officially set for a sensational return to our screens, and even the stage!

TL;DR: Your Essential Inbetweeners Comeback Quick-Hitters

• The Inbetweeners is officially returning with all four original cast members and creators.
• The comeback could take the form of a new film, a TV series, or even a stage production.
• While specific details are still under wraps, the deal with Banijay UK unlocks massive potential for new adventures.

The Deal That Officially Brought Our Favourite Misfits Back

Believe it or not, this isn't some fib cooked up by Jay Cartwright himself. The news is officially confirmed: The Inbetweeners is making a sensational return! The masterminds behind the original Channel 4 show, creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, have struck a major agreement with Banijay UK, paving the way for brand new content featuring our beloved quartet. Morris and Beesley, who founded Fudge Park Productions in 2015, were pretty clear about their excitement in a joint statement to The Sun:

"It’s incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh, friends)."

– Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, Creators of The Inbetweeners

This isn't just a casual chat; this is the real deal. Patrick Holland, Banijay UK's chief executive, echoed the enthusiasm, stating he was "delighted to pick up the conversation about the future of The Inbetweeners with them." He added that Morris and Beesley "have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audiences old and new."

Jonathan Blyth, managing director of Fudge Park, further emphasized the significance of this agreement, calling it a "wonderful moment for fans" and confirming that "there are exciting conversations afoot and more news to follow." This partnership basically unlocks all the rights and potential needed to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a multitude of platforms – we're talking film, TV, and even stage! How brilliant is that?

Yes, All Four Iconic Inbetweeners Are Indeed Returning!

This is probably the biggest news for any fan: every single one of the original boys is confirmed to be part of this comeback! We're talking:

• Will MacKenzie (Simon Bird): The socially awkward, briefcase-carrying narrator.
• Jay Cartwright (James Buckley): The notorious liar and self-proclaimed ladies' man.
• Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison): The delightfully dim-witted but loyal friend.
• Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas): The perpetually heartbroken and angsty romantic.

Seeing these four back together, navigating whatever new cringeworthy misadventures life throws at them over a decade later, is exactly what fans have been dreaming of. Their chemistry and unique brand of humour are what made the original series such a massive hit, running for three unforgettable seasons on E4 and Channel 4 from 2008 to 2010. That success then spun into two massively popular films in 2011 and 2014, both of which smashed UK box office records. It's safe to say these guys know how to make people laugh (and cringe!).

Jay Cartwright's Shocking U-Turn: From "No More" to "Here We Go Again!"

For a while there, it looked like James Buckley, who plays the legendary Jay Cartwright, might have been the biggest hurdle to any reunion. He's been pretty vocal in the past about not wanting to revive the character, and honestly, who could blame him for wanting to protect the legacy?

Buckley, who hasn't played Jay since the second film in 2014, has been doing incredibly well for himself outside the show. In 2022, he became the first international 'Cameo millionaire,' reportedly netting a cool $1 million from the fan engagement platform. The Daily Mail even reported in 2023 that his weekly income from Cameo was estimated to be around £10,000. Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe praised Buckley's dedication, saying, "James was incredibly popular from the start, but he’s stayed committed to his fans, always keeping an accessible price (even during his busiest periods) and giving his all to make each Cameo special."

Despite this financial success and the love from fans for his Cameo appearances (often shouting Jay's catchphrases), Buckley maintained a strong stance against a full-blown reunion. Speaking on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X in 2022, he explained his reasoning, which was surprisingly heartfelt:

"Not because I don't think I would have an amazing time doing it, because I know I would... But it might – you know, as I’m getting older – it’s looking like it might be the only thing that I do professionally that is universally loved. There’s not enough money in the world for me to spoil that."

– James Buckley (Jay Cartwright) in 2022

Given these strong words, the confirmation that James Buckley is returning is a massive and delightful surprise! It seems his inner Jay was "chatting s" about not coming back, and we love to see it. It speaks volumes about the creative vision Morris and Beesley must have presented, and the genuine bond among the cast, that Buckley has had a change of heart. This U-turn makes the upcoming project even more exciting, promising that whatever form it takes, it has the full, enthusiastic backing of the entire original gang.

What Kind of Comeback Is Brewing? Film, TV Series, or Even a Stage Show?

Now for the million-dollar question: what exactly will this comeback look like? The official announcement from Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions states that the new deal "unlocks the rights and potential to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a range of platforms including film, TV and stage." As of now, the exact "guise" of the return is still under wraps, with "more news to follow." This leaves us with some incredibly exciting possibilities to ponder!

A Third Inbetweeners Movie?

Given the monumental success of the first two films in 2011 and 2014, another cinematic outing seems like a strong contender. Both movies shattered UK box office records for comedy, proving there's a huge appetite for seeing the boys on the big screen. Joe Thomas (Simon) even hinted at this possibility last August (2024), mentioning that a third movie had been discussed in "various forms" and that all four actors felt "it would be nice." He even floated the hilarious idea of a "stag do" (bachelor party) as a perfect vehicle for a reunion, suggesting that "Las Vegas would be an interesting venue" for their antics. Imagine the chaos!

A Brand New TV Series?

A new TV series, perhaps picking up where they left off or exploring their adult lives, could be equally captivating. The original E4 series ran for three beloved seasons, perfectly capturing the awkwardness of sixth-form life. A new series could explore themes of adulting, careers, relationships, and parenthood – all through the hilariously inept lens of Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil. Would they still be "friends (ooh, friends)" after all these years? Would their "lad culture" evolve or remain stubbornly stuck in the past?

Or, Perhaps, a Stage Show?

While perhaps less anticipated by some, the mention of a "stage" production opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Imagine the live cringe-comedy, the direct interaction with an audience, and the potential for a fresh take on their classic characters in a theatrical setting. It would certainly be a unique way to revisit their world.

Ultimately, while the specific format and platform remain unknown, the sheer potential is thrilling. Whatever Morris and Beesley have cooking, with the full original cast back on board, promises to be something special and, no doubt, incredibly awkward.

Why We Still Love These "Bus Ws": The Enduring Appeal of Awkward Adolescence

The Inbetweeners struck a chord because it was, as creator Iain Morris once put it, a more realistic counterpoint to other hit teen shows like Skins. While Skins presented a glossy, angst-ridden world of beautiful teens and intense drama, The Inbetweeners showcased an adolescence that was gloriously, painfully, and often disgustingly "crap." It was an endurance sport of puberty, marked by gross-out humour, foul language, and an endless string of embarrassing incidents that felt all too familiar to anyone who’d survived secondary school in Britain.

From disastrous dates and failed attempts at impressing girls to dodgy fake IDs, bodily fluid mishaps, and the universal experience of trying (and failing) to be cool, the show resonated deeply. The exploits of Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil became a cultural touchstone. Who can forget lines like "Ooh, friend!", "Bus w", or Jay's fantastical, often explicit, lies? These catchphrases transcended the show, becoming emblematic of an entire era and solidifying the series' place in British comedy history. It didn't just win multiple awards; it carved out a niche as the definitive (and most cringe-worthy) portrayal of British teenage life.

While some might naturally worry that revisiting such a perfectly preserved moment could "spoil" the original's legacy, as one critic from The Independent suggested, the involvement of the original creators and all four actors gives immense hope. They understand the characters and their world better than anyone, and their return suggests they've found a way to move the story forward authentically without losing that beloved, painfully familiar spirit.

Beyond Rudge Park: What the Stars and Creators Have Done Since

It's been over a decade since The Inbetweeners last aired a full series, and the cast and creators have certainly kept busy. Their post-Inbetweeners careers highlight their diverse talents, and it’s exciting to think about what they’re bringing back to their most famous roles.

The Cast:

• Simon Bird (Will McKenzie): After shedding Will's briefcase, Bird went on to star in the much-loved comedy Friday Night Dinner as Adam Goodman. He also dabbled in directing and has a role in an upcoming Star Wars project.
• James Buckley (Jay Cartwright): Beyond his "Cameo millionaire" status, Buckley has appeared in various TV shows and films, but Jay remained his most iconic role until this comeback. His journey back to Jay is particularly anticipated!
• Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland): The lovable Neil has had a steady career, including starring as Private Pike in the 2016 film version of Dad's Army, and appearing in BBC dramas like Doctor Who and A Very English Scandal.
• Joe Thomas (Simon Cooper): Perhaps the most immediately successful in new comedy roles, Thomas starred in the Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat and later reunited with creators Morris and Beesley for the BBC series White Gold.

The Creators:

Iain Morris and Damon Beesley have continued their successful collaboration and individual projects:

• Together: They co-wrote and directed The Festival comedy film and created the BBC series The First Team.
• Damon Beesley: He solely created the series White Gold, which notably reunited him with Joe Thomas, James Buckley, and Blake Harrison from The Inbetweeners.
• Iain Morris: Morris co-wrote the sports comedy Next Goal Wins with Taika Waititi, was among the creators of the Apple series Time Bandits, and recently directed the Netflix feature My Oxford Year.

Supporting Stars Who Made the Show Iconic:

Let's not forget some of the other brilliant actors who rounded out the world of The Inbetweeners:

• Emily Head (Carli D'Amato): Simon's long-suffering love interest, Emily went on to a regular role as Rebecca White for 280 episodes of Emmerdale, among other TV appearances.
• Henry Lloyd-Hughes (Mark Donovan): The school bully, Lloyd-Hughes has established a steady film career with roles in The Thursday Murder Club, Madame Bovary, and Now You See Me 2.
• Belinda Stewart-Wilson (Polly McKenzie): Will's mum, whose attractiveness was a running joke, is a seasoned actress with roles in TV, film, and stage, including The Toast of London.
• Greg Davies (Mr Gilbert): The grumpy and bullish head of sixth form, Davies was a real-life teacher before becoming a massively successful comedian and actor, best known now for fronting Taskmaster.

The fact that so many key players have gone on to achieve significant success only adds to the anticipation for their return to The Inbetweeners universe. They’re coming back not out of necessity, but seemingly out of a shared passion to revisit these beloved characters.

What's Next for The Inbetweeners? Stay Tuned for More Info!

So, the wait is over: The Inbetweeners are officially returning! While we don't have a release date, a confirmed format, or specific platforms just yet, the important thing is that the creators and all four original cast members are locked in. This deal with Banijay UK opens up a world of possibilities, from another record-breaking film to a new TV series or even a unique stage adaptation.

As Jonathan Blyth of Fudge Park promised, "more news to follow," so keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground for official announcements. One thing is for sure: more awkward, hilarious, and utterly British misadventures are heading our way. We can’t wait to see what Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil get up to next!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Inbetweeners Comeback When is The Inbetweeners comeback happening? An exact release date has not been announced yet. The deal has just been struck to pave the way for its return, so specific production and release timelines are still to come. Stay tuned for official updates! Will all the original cast members be returning for the new Inbetweeners project? Yes! The official announcement confirms that all four original stars – Simon Bird (Will), James Buckley (Jay), Blake Harrison (Neil), and Joe Thomas (Simon) – are on board for the comeback. What kind of project will the new Inbetweeners be (film, TV series, or stage)? The deal "unlocks the rights and potential" for new content across film, TV, and stage platforms. The specific format has not yet been confirmed, but all options are on the table, with a film (perhaps a "Las Vegas stag do") being a popular suggestion among fans and cast members. Where can I watch the original The Inbetweeners series and films in the UK? The original series first aired on E4 and Channel 4. While the platform for the new content is unknown, you can typically find the original series and films available on Channel 4's streaming service (All 4), or for rent/purchase on various digital platforms in the UK.

Sources:

• Content from LADbible Group (Article on 'The Inbetweeners' comeback 'is officially on with all four original cast members')
• Content from Variety ('The Inbetweeners' Are Back: Original Creators Strike Deal With Banijay U.K. to Pave the Way for Return of Brit Comedy)
• Content from LBC (Where are The Inbetweeners cast now? What the actors have gone onto do as cult coming-of-age comedy set to make a return)
• Content from The Independent (The Inbetweeners’ return: Why I don’t want the Noughties sitcom to make a comeback)