They're not the cool jocks and cheerleaders; they're not the "wall eaters" who have lunch standing up in the cafeteria. They're The Inbetweeners, a remake of a hit British series (and movie) that's due on MTV Aug. 20 at 10:30.
The network stumbled with Skins, another remake of a British hit that proved both controversial and a flop. "Skins was a drama with a much more serious, edgy take from the outset," says MTV programming chief David Janollari. "This show is built with much more relatability, and heart."
The series uses the same character names as the British original though some are different physically. Still, themes are universal: "The ideas of kids in high scvhool struggling to have sex and drink, it's been around since Porky's," says executive producer Brad Copeland.
Do the cast members relate? "I was super awkward" in school, says Zack Pearlman, who plays blustery Jay. "It's been a lot of fun for me," says Bubba Lewis, who plays would-be lothario Simon. "The things I talked to my friends in high school I get to relive."
And the network will continue its push into scripted programming with Underemployed (due Oct. 16), about five young friends, a year out of college, struggling with bad dates and even worse jobs. Created by Craig Wright (Dirty Sexy Money), it's a soapier take on the world of I Just Want My Pants Back, which MTV cancelled after one season, but is filmed in Chicago instead of Brooklyn.
The cast includes Diego Boneta, the young lead in the recent Rock of Ages film.
