Jack Rooke’s autobiographical sitcom, Big Boys, has emerged as one of the standout comedic successes of recent years, earning widespread praise for its heartwarming exploration of friendship, mental health, and sexuality.
The show, starring Derry Girls’ Dylan Llewellyn and Jon Pointing, centers on two university roommates—Jack, a sensitive and closeted young man, and Danny, his boisterous, outgoing counterpart. Their contrasting personalities form the foundation for a touching, often hilarious bond that tackles everything from Jack’s journey of self-discovery to Danny’s struggles with mental health. Rooke’s sharp writing subverts traditional masculine stereotypes, addressing important issues like mental health in a refreshing and meaningful way.
Critical acclaim followed the show’s debut, with many praising Rooke’s refusal to conform to typical TV portrayals of men. Big Boys quickly became a hit for Channel 4, who greenlit a second season, which aired last year. The show’s impact was further cemented when Rooke won the BAFTA for Comedy Writing in April.
Now, the British Comedy Guide has confirmed that Channel 4 will air the third and final series of Big Boys in February, marking the end of the beloved sitcom. The synopsis for the final season reveals that the gang is entering their final year at Brent University, facing the usual challenges of dissertations, deadlines, and dating. Amidst the chaos, Jack and Danny’s friendship is put to the test as they confront the reality of adulthood. Meanwhile, Peggy and Shannon embark on new romances, while Jack’s reaction to Louis Walsh’s departure from The X Factor adds a nostalgic twist to the narrative.
The final season will also feature Camille Coduri, Katy Wix, Izuka Hoyle, Olisa Odele, Harriet Webb, and Annette Badland, who all contribute to the show’s rich ensemble cast.
Rooke, who has been vocal about his passion for the project, recently shared that he plans to pursue entirely new creative ventures. “The next thing I write, I want it to be completely different—a bloody gangster story or a horror,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey of Big Boys, Rooke recalled the show’s origins a decade ago as a comedy-theatre production about grief and friendship. “Ten years ago, I took a rather ramshackle comedy-theatre hour about grief and friendship to a damp cave at the Edinburgh Fringe,” he said. “I never thought a decade later it’d be a silly, sweet little sitcom about a lad’s lad and a dweeby gay becoming best mates.”
Rooke also shared a deeply personal note, stating that his therapist once suggested the show was subconsciously about his difficulty saying goodbye to people or periods of his life. “To give this show a final send-off is a huge honor,” he said. “I’ve known the ending since the pilot, and I hope it still represents those first Edinburgh shows but also the collaborative genius of our incredible cast, crew, and creative team.”
For those who haven’t yet experienced the show, the first series of Big Boys is available to stream for free on Channel 4’s On Demand service, albeit with some ads.
As Big Boys prepares to bid farewell, it leaves a lasting legacy as one of the most heartfelt and inventive comedies of recent years.
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