The Inbetweeners is a British import that not only brings the funny but also manages to go to a place an American series couldn’t go. A group of dorky teenagers try to make it through high school, meet girls, and be cool. But unlike in America, they’re actual nerds. Their social failure is an entertainment win. These lovable losers form a quartet of comedians. Think of it as Freaks and Geeks meets American Pie, if the few cool kids disappeared.
Will McKenzie (Simon Bird) transfers from private school to public. He is witty, intelligent and often gets his foot stuck in his mouth. He meets anxious Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas), horn-dog Jay Cartwright (James Buckley) and complete idiot Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison). Will and his friends often get into trouble trying to be cool and impress girls like Charlotte Hinchcliffe (Emily Atack) much to the chagrin of school administrator, Mr. Gilbert (Greg Davies).
The series really capitalizes on the subtlety of British humor. The teens get into awkward situations and make epic fails romantically, socially, and academically. Despite their setbacks, the series has an optimistic bent and the boys have a strong friendship. If only high school could have been that fun and enjoyable with a great set of friends.
There’s great ensemble chemistry. Bird manages to be talkative and totally awkward. Thomas and Harrison manage to be sexy heartthrobs and total losers at the same time. Davies also steals every scene with his cutting quips.
Netflix not only has the first two series of the show but it also has The Inbetweeeners Movie.
