By Julia Esposito and Rachel Priest
This past year, everyone has been enduring change, and students in New Hyde Park have felt lost. As high schoolers, students are being pushed to make big life decisions and grow up under these unfamiliar circumstances due to the pandemic. Although it is not as monumental as getting one’s senior year back or going to concerts, the reboot of popular shows such as “iCarly” and “Friends” brings that familiar feeling of being a kid back.
“iCarly,” the only show where the theme of friendship is achieved by eating spaghetti tacos and random dancing, came to an end after a successful run of four seasons and a spin-off. Now, nine years later, the fans are getting to see their favorite characters together one last time.
Although some were looking forward to hearing Gibby’s comedic lines and Sam’s snarky comments again, unfortunately, they will not be in the reboot. Noah Monk, who played Gibby, is not returning to film the reboot because of his experience dealing with body dysmorphia, playing a character whose body was always the punch line. Furthermore, Jennette McCurdy, who played Sam, is not coming back because of her trauma on and off the set as a child actor. Their absence forced the director and producers to find new characters that will fulfill their spots.
One new addition to the reboot will be the young actress, Jaidyn Triplett, who will be portraying spunky and social media-obsessed Millicent, Freddie’s stepdaughter.
Reproduced with permission from Wikimedia Commons
From Nickelodeon's "iCarly," Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, and Nathan Kress pose for the press amidst the release of the original TV show.
“I am excited for the reboot, but after reading the character description I have a feeling the dialogue is going to be an exaggeration of how they think we talk in everyday life,” said sophomore Gabriella Bonnetti.
Lastly, another main character being introduced is Carly’s best friend, Harper. The phrase “best friend” angered some fans because they felt no one could replace Carly and Sam’s friendship.
“At first I was ecstatic to hear one of my favorite childhood shows is coming back. After hearing the details, I don’t see how it could capture the same authentic feeling of friendship with this new best friend,” said sophomore Natalie Bak.
One of the most prominent factors of “iCarly” was the colorful ambiance. With this new set, the color scheme of the apartment is duller, so it looks more modern. This was the result of one character, Spencer, becoming wealthy. Many fans were upset with this because they feel as if a new, matured version of him would take away from the essence of the show.
“Their absence forced the director and producers to find new characters that will fulfill their spot...”
Where reboots like “Raven's Home” were created to target a new generation of children, “iCarly” is intended to target the original audience of the show, since they have now matured.
The 1990s sitcom “Friends” is arguably one of television’s most beloved shows of all time. With fashion trends and catchphrases carried on from generation to generation, “Friends” resonates with fans all over the world. Now, those fans were able to see all the characters back together on May 27 with a special event hosted by James Cordon.
“I personally love “Friends.” I’m excited to see them back together again, but I would have loved to see where the characters are today,” said sophomore Harleen Grewal.
“So wake up the members of our nations'' and tune in to Paramount Plus to see the reboot of “iCarly.” The “Friends” reunion “will be there for you” as well on HBO Max.