Drifters Television Show: A Critical Look at the E4 Comedy

Drifters, an E4 comedy series, centers around the lives of three young women navigating post-university life and their disastrous attempts at love and careers. The show relies heavily on crude humor, often drawing comparisons to shows like The Inbetweeners and Sex and the City. However, critics often point out the show’s lack of originality and its reliance on tired tropes. The humor often falls flat, failing to reach the comedic heights of its inspirations.

The characters in Drifters are Meg, Bunny, and Laura, each representing different archetypes of young adulthood. Meg, considered the most relatable of the three, still struggles with questionable decisions and often finds herself in awkward situations. Bunny’s posh demeanor and Laura’s vulgarity contribute to the show’s comedic elements, but their one-dimensional personalities prevent them from becoming truly engaging characters.

Drifters main characters

One of the main criticisms of Drifters is its unrealistic and contrived plotlines. Situations are often forced, relying on unbelievable coincidences and illogical scenarios for comedic effect. For example, in the first episode, Meg, dressed in a ridiculous costume, attracts the attention of an impossibly handsome man. This lack of grounding in reality detracts from the show’s potential and makes it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters and their experiences. The humor often feels forced and lacks the cleverness and wit necessary to make the absurdity work. Instead of sharp observations about the struggles of young adulthood, the show often resorts to cheap jokes and predictable punchlines.

The show’s attempts at edgy humor, often revolving around explicit sexual references, fall short of being truly revolutionary or insightful. The constant barrage of crude jokes, rather than pushing boundaries, comes across as juvenile and uninspired. This reliance on shock value, without the substance to back it up, leaves the audience feeling unfulfilled. The writing often feels lazy, lacking the nuance and depth needed to create truly memorable comedic moments. The show often borrows heavily from other successful comedies, failing to establish its own unique identity.

Comparisons to shows like Plebs, which successfully portray vulgar characters with underlying vulnerability, highlight Drifters‘ shortcomings in character development. The characters lack the complexity and depth that make audiences invest in their journeys. Instead, they remain caricatures, defined solely by their most obvious traits. This lack of depth prevents the show from exploring the complexities of female friendships and the challenges of navigating adulthood in a meaningful way.