Boarders is a British teen comedy-drama television series created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, centred around the lives of five young Black teens who earn scholarships into the prestigious boarding school of St. Gilbert's. The six-part series is developed by Studio Lambert in association with All3Media International for BBC Three. It premiered on 20 February 2024.
In August 2022, it was announced BBC Three had commissioned a six-part series titled Boarders from Daniel Lawrence Taylor and Studio Lambert. In addition to Lawrence Taylor, the series would be executive produced by Susan Hogg and Maddie Sinclair for Studio Lambert, and Ayela Butt and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC. Joining him in the writers room were Emma Dennis-Edwards, Yemi Oyefuwa, and Ryan Calais Cameron.[1] Lawrence Taylor has said that,[2] while fictional, the series was inspired by a real-life article about underprivileged black teens on a scholarship scheme, and influenced by his own experience at a "predominately white and middle class" university.
A second series was announced on 4 June 2024 via the BBC's official media channels. It was confirmed the main cast would reprise their roles.[3] In July 2024, Tubi officially boarded the project as a co-producer for its second series due to the "incredible response" to series 1.[4]
Casting
In July 2023, it was announced Josh Tedeku, Jodie Campbell, and Myles Kamwendo would star in the series alongside Sekou Diaby and Aruna Jalloh. Creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor would appear in the series as a mentor. Also joining the cast were Derek Riddell, Niky Wardley, Harry Gilby, Tallulah Greive, Rosie Graham, Georgina Sadler, and Assa Kanoute.[5]
In October 2024, the BBC and Tubi revealed Wunmi Mosaku had joined the cast of Boarders for its second series, as well as Cara Theobold, Michael Salami, and Kenda Brown.[6]
The five teens find life at their new school challenging. Jaheim is soon warring with troublemaker Rupert, while Leah runs into conflict with the headmaster. Omar will do whatever it takes to prove a secret society is real, while Femi finds some unlikely friends, who encourage him to take part in a bizarre school ritual. Toby is misjudged by his new peers, but turns it to his advantage to impress a girl.
2
Ethosheia Hylton
Daniel Lawrence Taylor
27 February 2024 (2024-02-27)
A humiliated Jaheim plans revenge on Rupert, Toby throws a party and comes up with a plan to impress Abby, and Leah puts herself out there with hot archery captain Koku. Meanwhile, Bernard comes under increasing pressure to make the scholarship programme a success.
Can the five teens prove their ‘black excellence’ and hold onto their places at the school?
3
Ethosheia Hylton
Emma Dennis-Edwards
5 March 2024 (2024-03-05)
When Xiang’s laptop goes missing, he accuses Jaheim’s London friends of stealing it, but they deny it. Who will Jaheim believe?
Meanwhile, when an embarrassing video of Leah spreads around school, Abby is shocked to discover who started it. Omar risks getting expelled to impress the Raisinettes, with the help of an unlikely friend.
4
Sarmad Masud
Ryan Calais Cameron
12 March 2024 (2024-03-12)
Jaheim returns home for the weekend and tries to right his wrongs, but it backfires, and a lust-struck Leah ditches Mabel to get it on with Koku.
Meanwhile, the truth about Toby’s gummies lands him in trouble with Yelena, who demands her money back. Omar jeopardises his chances of becoming a Raisinette to help a friend, and Abby realises supporting Leah could come at a cost.
5
Sarmad Masud
Yemi Oyefuwa
19 March 2024 (2024-03-19)
Tensions and rivalries come to a head as Jaheim and Leah compete for glory in the school’s infamous, and morally questionable, Carruthers Challenge.
Toby, Omar and Femi face a bigger challenge when they are interviewed by the police after Carol’s discovery of 'drugs' on school premises. A panic-stricken Omar turns to Rupert for help, but will Rupert step up?
6
Sarmad Masud
Daniel Lawrence Taylor
19 March 2024 (2024-03-19)
Rebellion is in the air as Bernard cracks down on all the students to make sure the annual fundraiser runs smoothly. Jaheim gets an offer he can’t refuse, but Leah is sceptical about his new position.
Toby and Abby question their situationship, and Femi is tricked by his so-called friends. It’s time for everyone to decide where their loyalties lie.
Reception
Boarders received positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 100% based on 8 reviews.[9] Leila Latif of The Guardian gave Boarders four out of five stars and called it "packed with future megastars" in line with the Skins ensemble, singling out Campbell, Diaby, Tedeku, and Kanoute's performances in particular.[10] Louisa Mellor for Den of Geek recommended the series to Sex Education fans.[11]The Daily Telegraph's Poppie Platt also gave the series four stars, calling it "razor-sharp".[12] Morgan Cormack of Radio Times commended how Boarders balances serious, heavy topics and moments of learning with comedy and fun.[13]
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