ON BOARD
Hit BBC drama branded ‘better than anything on Netflix’ gives sneak peek at series two
BBC series given green light as viewers eagerly await the second instalment
FANS of a hit show rated 'better than anything on Netflix' can get excited over a first look at series two.
This Black History Month, the BBC has teased viewers with a sneak peak at the anticipated second season of Boarders.
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Boarders was given the green light for a new series back in June and now a host of new characters will be joining the show.
The initial six-part series was highly rated and followed five black inner city teenagers attending a prestigious school on scholarships.
Debuting in February this year, it received praise for its social commentary and portrayals of race and class - getting a 100 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
At the time, one user tweeted: “Watching #Boarders on BBC and honestly it’s a masterpiece.”
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Another added: “#boarders is so good this should’ve been on Netflix so more people could know about it.
“All the characters are so good, and they have four black boys, so different. You know ain’t no one but a black person write these characters, they so good and not ur stereotypical s*** on Netflix.”
A third chimed: “Boarders gives me the same level of happiness four o'clock club did. Just more explicit and real, which I loved! #boarders.”
At the start the group learn that they have only been picked to join the school so that they can help improve the school's image following a problematic online scandal.
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The official synopsis for the show read: “Comedy drama following five underprivileged black students from inner-city London who win scholarships to an elite boarding school, stepping out of the urban metropolis and into a world they can only describe as something out of Harry Potter.”
American service Tubi is co-producer while returning members of the cast will include Josh Tedeku as Jaheim, Jodie Campbell as Leah, Myles Kamwendo as Omar, Aruna Jalloh as Femi, and Sekou Diaby as Toby.
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There will also be some new faces at St Gilberts such as Wunmi Mosaku who plays Jahiem's mother Grace, Cara Theobold as Jude, Kendra Brown as American exchange student Devon'ye and Michael Salami as Femi's uncle Teju.
Series one followed the new boarders who have been plucked from London comprehensive schools.
It charts their daily life as they adjust to life in an unfamiliar world of St Gilberts - one of prestige and privilege, but they quickly adapt.
The new series begins as headmaster Bernard, played by Derek Riddell, one of their biggest advocates is suspended.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
A new headteacher Carol Watlington-Geese, Niky Wardley, the mother of Jaheim's nemesis Rupert, takes over. And she has it in for the new boarders.
Daniel Lawrence Taylor, the mastermind behind Boarders said: "Bringing the new season of Boarders to life has been an incredible experience, especially with the exciting edition of new faces to the cast."
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Meanwhile, producer Madeline Sinclair added: "We're thrilled with our cast for series two...both the wonderful returning actors and the new faces, viewers are in for a treat."
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Season 1 is available on BBCiPlayer, while season two is expected to air in 2025.
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