iCarly revival is here and it is (kind of) a trip down memory lane for the OG fans. Created by Dan Schneider, the hit Nickelodeon series, which originally premiered in 2007, returned on June 17th, 2021, on Paramount+.
Nearly a decade after the original series finale, Miranda Cosgrove reprises her role as webcast influencer, Carly Shay. This time, she’ll be navigating life as an adult, with former cast members Jerry Trainor and Nathan Kress along for the ride.
Sadly, the iconic Sam Puckett will not be back for the revival. Janette McCurdy, the actress who portrayed Sam, said on her podcast “Fish Out of Water” that she quit acting a few years ago. Although the sarcastic character will not appear on the screen, she’s still present in the story.
In an interview with EW, Cosgrove said that Sam’s absence will be addressed on the screen. “Definitely, we touch a lot on the whole relationship with Sam and where Sam’s at in the pilot episode,” she told the magazine. “And then we mention her a little bit throughout the season, so we’ll definitely explain that on the show.”
Miranda Cosgrove, Jannette McCurdy, and Nathan Kress in a scene from the original “iCarly” series. (Photo: Lisa Rose/Nickelodeon)
The Plot
Carly Shay is online once again. Now facing new grown-up problems along with most of the original cast.
The show is definitely not a continuation of the 2007 original. The characters have totally different lives, and some new cast members have joined the crew. The show intends to address modern-day problems such as cancel culture, the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, sex, and alcohol consumption.
In an interview with Paige Six, Jerry Trainor (Spencer Shay), said: “There’s going to be sexual situations. But c’est la vie. We’re grown-ups”.
Nathan Kress, who played nerdy Freddie Benson, tells Page Six that the show has evolved.
“This is an adult show and it’s not specifically for kids,” he stresses. “And that’s been exciting for us — to just see where these characters from a kid’s show would be and where they are in their life now, 10 years later. But in a very realistic, non-glossy way.”
The iCarly revival is not a kid’s show. If you were thinking of watching it with the youngest members of the family, better think twice about it. Better enjoy it by yourself or with your best friends with a nice glass of wine and some snacks.
The first three episodes premiered on June 17th. The remaining 10 are dropping weekly, exclusively on Paramount+.