iCarly

Paramount+ has brought back one of the perennial favorites of the late 2000s and early 2010s with a 2021 revival of iCarly. Nearly a decade after the original show ended, the beloved web show series is back, reimagining the lives of more grown-up main characters while preserving the comedic essence that appealed to so many viewers around the world.

The reboot of iCarly on Paramount+ continues Carly Shay's (Miranda Cosgrove) saga in broadcasting her unique, eponymous web show. In the 2021 series, Carly, an original influencer before the term was even coined, has grown up and is now navigating her twenties. Despite the age difference and the new personal challenges, she returns to the online universe, re-launching her popular web show with renewed enthusiasm.

One of the captivating features of this series is the seamless integration of the original cast. Miranda Cosgrove, who played Carly, is back in the titular role, once again stealing the show with her humor and charm. Jerry Trainor reprises his role as Spencer Shay, Carly's older brother and legal guardian from the original series. Spencer, who was always an eccentric artist, is now an extraordinarily wealthy eccentric artist, thanks to a few of his sculptures unexpectedly becoming high-value art.

Nathan Kress is back as Freddie Benson, Carly's quirky neighbor and the technical producer of the web show. In the reboot, Freddie has gone through two divorces and is living with his adopted step-daughter, navigating the trials and tribulations of parenting. Although Sam Puckett, Carly's best friend, and original series character played by Jeanette McCurdy, does not return, her absence is addressed and explained in the show.

We are introduced to some new characters as well. Laci Mosley stars as Harper, Carly's room-mate and confidante, an ambitious and trendy aspiring fashion stylist. Jaidyn Triplett plays Millicent, Freddie's snarky and social media-savvy step-daughter, offering intriguing plot developments and some hilarious one-liners.

The revamped series pays homage to the nostalgia of the original while updating the storylines and humor to appeal to those original viewers, who will now be adults. Yet, it maintains an accessibility that will undoubtedly captivate a new generation of fans. It's a clever, self-aware comedy that tackles adult friendships, struggles, romance, and the influence and impact of social media in today's society.

In terms of narrative, the new iCarly retains the breezy sitcom format. Each episode contains its stand-alone plot, although there is an overarching storyline that spans the entire series. There's always a new adventure, often involving the characters making their own fun and trying to avoid (or rectify) various kinds of trouble. True to its roots, the show still does not shy away from its goofy and absurd humor that original fans loved.

The setting has moved from the loft-like apartment setting of the original show to a modernized version for grown-up Carly, yet it maintains familiar elements like Spencer's quirky sculptures. The production did a fantastic job of recreating the vibrant colors and stylish details that made the original show such a visual treat, and the tech and gadgets on the show got a significant update, fitting with the times.

One of the key components of iCarly was the titular web show-within-a-show, and the Paramount+ series continues that tradition. The 'iCarly' webisodes offer up some of the funniest moments, with not just Carly, but also her friends involved in various bits which are as enjoyable as they were in the original series, laced with a modern flavor of online culture.

From a broader perspective, the 2021 reboot of iCarly is as much an examination of nostalgia as it is an indulgence in it. It's a thrilling and sometimes emotional reunion with the characters that many viewers grew up with, now dealing with adult lives, just like them. It’s a fun, triumphant return of a beloved series, capturing the spirit of the original while providing an innovative update for the modern age.

To sum it up, the Paramount+ revival of iCarly is a delightful blend of the old and new, tailored to please original fans and attract a new audience. It is a heartwarming reunion filled with humor, updated to the reality of current social dynamics and technology— a not-to-be-missed for all sitcom lovers. With familiar faces, nostalgic nods to the past, and a fresh modern twist, iCarly is ready to win hearts all over again.