Tubi announced Tuesday that it has acquired the North American and Latin American rights to the second season of the comedy-drama series “Boarders.” The six-episode second season is a co-production between Tubi and the BBC; All3Media’s Studio Lambert will produce the series for the BBC in association with All3Media International.
From a BAFTA-nominated screenplay by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Boarders centers on five gifted black teenagers from inner-city London at an elite boarding school. According to the BBC, season two will see “a new era for the students at St Gilbert’s. With the headmaster who brought them in now suspended after a school riot, the headmistress has made her intentions clear – she wants them gone. Season one focused on the five outsiders as they began to thrive in this new boarding school environment, and season two will test them on just how far they are willing to go to survive.”
Sam Harwitz, Tubi's senior vice president of content acquisitions and partnerships, noted that the service has received an “amazing response” to the first season (which has been certified “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes).
“Our belief in the compelling story that Daniel Lawrence Taylor and the show’s exceptional cast are bringing to the table is evident in their commitment to have him join us as a co-producer this season as we continue to deliver relevant and authentic stories to our audience that appeal to young and diverse viewers,” he said.
“We were overwhelmed by the response to the first season of Boarders when it launched on Tubi in North America and Latin America — the feedback from critics and U.S. viewers alike has been incredible,” creator Taylor added. “As you can imagine, we’re excited to return to St. Gilbert and the group for what we hope will be as funny, thought-provoking and approachable as the first season. We’re thrilled to be working with the Tubi team again.”
Returning cast for season two include Josh Tedeko (Jaheim), Jodie Campbell (Leah), Sekou Diaby (Toby), Miles Kamwendo (Omar), and Aruna Jallow (Femi). Taylor also stars as their mentor Joss; other cast members include Harry Gilbey (Robert), Talulah Grieve (Beatrix), Rosie Graham (Florence), Assa Kanoute (Abby), and Nikki Wardley (Carol Watlington-Gise).
Taylor, who serves as lead writer with Yemi Oyefuwa, Geoffrey Aidoo and Rachel Ofori writing additional episodes; Joel May David and Sarmad Masood are the showrunners. Executive producers are Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Madeleine Sinclair and Susan Hogg of Studio Lambert, and Naufal Faizullah and Catherine Bond of the BBC.
“Working with Toby on Season 1 helped expand the Boarders cast to a wide and loyal audience,” said Sinclair of Studio Lambert. “Daniel’s brilliant writing is sure to continue to delight Toby’s fans in Season 2 – his blend of comedy and drama with our talented cast makes it an irresistible experience to watch again and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
