Joe Thomas and James Buckley, the stars who rose to fame as Simon and Jay in the hit sitcom The Inbetweeners, are set to reunite for a new four-part comedy series on Channel 4.
The broadcaster has officially confirmed the commission of the project, which will take the form of a factual road-trip documentary. The series is expected to follow the pair as they navigate the challenges of “midulthood,” exploring what it means to be in their 40s through a series of interviews and new experiences while travelling in a small car.
Thomas, 42, and Buckley, 39, have maintained a professional partnership since the conclusion of their original sitcom, recently collaborating on their “Joe and James Fact Up” podcast. This new television project marks a significant return to the screen together for the duo, produced by Idle Industries in conjunction with Fudge Park—the production company co-founded by Inbetweeners creator Damon Beesley.
Exploring the transition to 40
The series is designed as a comedy travelogue rather than a scripted sitcom. According to reports, it will focus on the transition into middle age, with the two actors trialling various activities and meeting people who have found unique ways to handle their 40s. Vivienne Molokwu is serving as the commissioning editor for Channel 4.
The announcement of the new series comes amid reports that the original cast are also in production for a third Inbetweeners movie for Netflix. While the Channel 4 travelogue is a factual production, the reported film revival is expected to return to the fictional lives of the four main characters from the original E4 show.
A specific broadcast date for the four-part travelogue has not yet been confirmed by Channel 4, and the route the pair will take for their road trip remains under wraps. Executive producers for the project include Will Macdonald of Idle Industries and Damon Beesley.
The Inbetweeners originally ran for three series and two feature films, becoming one of the most successful British comedies of the 21st century. While cast members Simon Bird and Blake Harrison have not been officially linked to this specific travelogue project, the reunion of Thomas and Buckley follows years of fans calling for the core group to work together again on screen.
