Big Boys, C4

Anyone with nostalgia for the late noughties golden era of British sitcom will feel at home watching Big Boys. Jack Rooke’s series makes use of the indie soundtrack that helped endear us to the Inbetweeners and also references Gavin and Stacey in depicting his home life.  

The show is autobiographical, and Rooke’s homage to his all-female working-class X factor watching family is one of the most enjoyable and relatable elements of the show. The world of Big Boys emanates warmth and comedy from lots of different places. Its central theme is Jack’s desire to express his gay identity now he has made it to uni. Something he is facilitated in wholeheartedly by his straight mate Danny.  

Big Boys is, in part, a love letter to Danny, who is addressed by the first-person narrator as “you” throughout. Some crucial context is that Jack Rooke lost his childhood best friend to suicide. In this fictional version, Danny unequivocally supports Jack in his attempt to come out to the world and Jack unequivocally support Danny. Their relationship makes you think about male friendship; unconditional love and how easy it is to be an ally.

Big Boys isn’t perfect. The humour and subject matter feels quite broad for the first couple of episodes. I’m not sure how novel anyone above the age of 27 finds reflections on “uni”, and exploration of Danny’s depression are initially somewhat shallow and underdeveloped.

Danny’s arc and where we get to with his story is what saves the series. In later episodes, the reasons for his sadness are fleshed out - and support from Jack and his family plots a positive route out of his condition. The life affirming finale of Big Boys leaves you to reflect on the series and its characters fondly.

Jack Rooke’s life story is an updated take on a coming out story and ideal afternoon binge material. Honourable mention for Katy Wix who has never been unfunny in anything.