iCarly Is Back: Here's What to Expect in the 2021 Reboot
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon
Leave it all to Paramount+ to revive one of the most popular tween series of all time: premiering June 17, iCarly is poised to make a comeback. The reboot centers around a modern-day Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) reinstating her live-streamed web show with the help of Spencer (Jerry Trainor) and Freddie (Nathan Kress). The show’s signature pranks are guaranteed to resurface, despite Sam (Jeanette McCurdy)’s notable absence from the reboot. Since the series finale in 2012, society has seen the rise of the influencer, and Carly’s successful contemporary online platform establishes her as a rising social media star. New characters balance out Carly’s new career path, including her roommate/best friend Harper (Laci Mosley) and social-media-expert stepdaughter Millicent (Jaidyn Triplett). Below, Triplett talks about joining the iconic Nickelodeon series and what to expect in the new episodes. Get ready for some random dancing—iCarly is back and better than ever.
What was the audition process like for iCarly?
Everything was done via Zoom due to COVID. The overall process was really tough. I always had to make sure I was prepared and ready to move onto the next step. There were about six or seven rounds of auditions, and it took about a month before they decided I would be Millicent. The process felt long, but in this business, that’s pretty quick. In my last two chemistry reads, I met Miranda and Nathan, which was really cool. They were both so nice. Miranda was honestly the sweetest person ever. After my final audition in front of the entire network, I felt like I killed it and prepared myself for whatever the universe decided. The universe chose me!
How would you describe your character?
Millicent is Freddie’s stepdaughter and Carly’s reality check. Millicent is the baby of the cast but is definitely beyond her years. She is strong-willed, independent and thinks she’s the smartest one in the room. Most times, she is! It’s so cool to read the scripts at table reads and bring her to life on the stage. It’s been fun creating her personality over the past few months because we’re secretly similar in a lot of ways. Everyone is going to fall in love with her!
How does the reboot differ from the original series?
It’s a continuation from the original series that picks up 10 years later—the same amazing characters, just later in life. Sadly, a few of our favorites couldn’t come back this time around, but the show will have several throwbacks and “Carlyisms.” Everyone is older now, and they’re in different places in life as adults. Carly has a roommate who is so funny! I can’t wait for people to see her in action. Spencer is rich now, and Freddie has the smartest, most beautiful kid...me!
Did you watch the original series? What did you like most about it?
Yes, l did watch the original! Weirdly, l started watching it a week before l got the audition! I love watching throwbacks. I’ve binged Sister, Sister, Fresh Prince and Moesha, and when I noticed iCarly, I started to binge that, too! Once I got the audition, it became a great way to study. I watched 2-3 seasons while going through the process of getting on the show. My favorite part is when Nevel said, “You will rue the day you rejected me, Carly Shay!” He was my favorite character!
What is Carly like as a grown up? How about Spencer—does he cut Carly more slack?
She’s the same Carly, just a little more mature. He’s the same Spencer, but probably less mature. Carly is trying to make it big on social media while navigating adulthood. Spencer definitely still keeps Carly busy. Since Carly moved in with her roommate, Harper, Spencer is more separated from her, which means he can focus on dating.
Can fans expect original elements of the show to be revived?
You can definitely expect to see some familiar faces and places. But l can’t say too much. I don’t want to give away all the goodies. The original iCarly fans will most definitely see some of their favorite throwbacks and “Carlyisms.”
Why should fans of the original series tune into the reboot? When can people expect it to air?
It’s been so much fun to film, and the writers work so hard. It honestly doesn’t differ much from the original. There are just some tweaks and changes. The biggest change is that the show is definitely for an older audience now.
Tune into iCarly, premiering June 17 on Paramount+.
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