Drifters: A Critical Look at the E4 Comedy Series
Drifters, an E4 comedy series, follows three young women navigating post-university life, careers, and disastrous dating experiences. Often compared to shows like The Inbetweeners and Sex and the City, Drifters relies heavily on crude humor. However, critics often cite its lack of originality and over-reliance on tired tropes, with the humor frequently falling flat.
The show’s main characters are Meg, Bunny, and Laura, each representing different young adult archetypes. Meg, the most relatable, consistently makes questionable decisions and lands in awkward situations. Bunny’s posh demeanor and Laura’s vulgarity contribute to the comedy, but their one-dimensional personalities prevent them from being truly engaging.
The main cast of the E4 comedy series Drifters.
A major criticism of Drifters is its unrealistic and contrived plotlines. Situations often feel forced, relying on unbelievable coincidences and illogical scenarios for comedic effect. For example, the first episode features Meg in a ridiculous costume attracting an impossibly handsome man. This lack of realism detracts from the show’s potential, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters and their experiences. The humor feels forced, lacking the cleverness and wit to make the absurdity work. Instead of sharp observations about young adulthood, the show resorts to cheap jokes and predictable punchlines.
The show’s attempts at edgy humor, often involving explicit sexual references, fall short of being revolutionary or insightful. The constant crude jokes, rather than pushing boundaries, come across as juvenile and uninspired. This reliance on shock value without substance leaves the audience unfulfilled. The writing often feels lazy, lacking the nuance and depth needed for truly memorable comedic moments. The show frequently borrows 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 to make audiences invest in their journeys. They remain caricatures defined by their most obvious traits. This prevents the show from exploring the complexities of female friendships and the challenges of adulthood in a meaningful way.
