Paramount+’s iCarly reboot proved to have been worth paying the monthly subscription fee. The reboot is better than I had expected, but it is exactly what the fans deserved.
iCarly (2021) proved that not all reboots have to be rated PG. I appreciated how the gang returned with a mature, grown-up look. This made the show much more relatable and entertaining.
Nine years after the Nickelodeon series iCarly aired its last season, Paramount+ announced there would be a reboot of the teen sitcom.
The sitcom debuted in 2007 and aired five seasons. The show gained a lot of popularity among young audiences. The original series focused on Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), Sam (Jeanette McCurdy) and Freddie (Nathan Kress) hosting a web show called iCarly.
iCarly (2021) caters to an older audience than it used to. The new series was meant to attract those who watched the original series when they were younger.
As someone who considers iCarly to have been a part of my childhood, I could not resist watching the new adaptation. The trailer seemed promising, with the original cast performing similar antics to the original series. It seemed like the reboot my generation had been waiting for.
**Spoilers Ahead**
Original cast members Jerry Trainor, Kress and Cosgrove returned for the series. Fans were disappointed to see McCurdy was not returning. McCurdy was not interested in resuming her role as Sam.
Sam’s absence was addressed in the first episode with Carly mentioning she had joined a motorcycle gang, hinting at the series finale which aired in November 2012.
The show definitely felt different without Sam’s constant remarks. It was disappointing to know her character would not return. However, the other characters were able to adjust flawlessly to her absence.
There were new additions to the cast, including Laci Mosley and Jaidyn Triplett.
These two new characters are women of color. Harper is also bisexual, demonstrating the show has returned with more inclusivity and diversity. It was especially exciting to see cast members of color shooting with their natural hairstyles.
Harper (Mosley) was introduced as Carly’s roommate. The pair live in Carly’s old apartment building. It was very nostalgic to see the gang living in the same apartment building, it truly felt as if the show picked up right where it left off.
At first, I was under the impression this was the show’s attempt to replace Sam and introduce a new co-host for iCarly, but this is not the case. After all, Sam is not replaceable. Carly ultimately decides to revive the show by herself.
Millicent (Triplett) is Freddie’s snarky stepdaughter. Millicent is set to become the next social media star, awaiting the fall of iCarly in order for herself to rise. I was shocked to see Freddie had a stepdaughter. This new addition seemed to fit right in. It was a pleasant surprise.
Funny enough, the reboot focuses on four adults and one child in contrast to the original, where Spencer was an adult hanging out with Carly and her friends.
Spencer’s sculpting career kicked-off, making him rich. At the end of the episode, a sculpture catches fire in old Spencer fashion. As someone who grew up watching the show, I appreciated the running jokes from the original series. The reboot reminded me a lot of the original series, making it somewhat bittersweet.
The adaptation returned with more mature content and an updated, modern look. For the series to come back with different content and an older demographic than before, it was only right for them to include adult jokes and innuendos. The gang seemed much more relatable and authentic.
Technology has changed a lot since iCarly (2007) premiered. The new version had to make changes to keep up with today’s technology. iCarly has evolved into a channel, keeping the essence of the web show alive.
The reboot did not disappoint. It felt very nostalgic, from using the same introduction song to Freddie living with his mom after his second divorce.
The show truly came back as a modern version of the original series. It was refreshing to see a reboot actually grow and mature along with its audience.
After watching the first episode, I know I’ll definitely be watching the rest of the season.
