Being Black at a mostly white school stays with you forever.

The highly anticipated second season of BBC's hit coming-of-age series, Boarders, has finally arrived. Fans of the show can expect another explosive season full of boarding school shenanigans as our five Black scholarship students try to navigate their way through the challenges thrown their way.

The show, written by British screenwriter Daniel Lawrence Taylor, burst onto the scene in 2024, quickly gaining a loyal following and generating plenty of buzz online. With its relatable storylines, clever humor, and chaotic teenage antics, Boarders has become a staple in the world of Gen Z shows.

The plot of the show follows a group of teens - Jaheim, Leah, Toby, Omar, and Femi - as they struggle to fit in at the majority-white boarding school, St Gilberts. They are all scholarship students who have joined the school's newly-launched program, and their experiences are all too familiar for underrepresented groups. It's a tale that has been told countless times - an institution is called out for its bigotry, diversity is brought in, and minorities are left to suffer. Sadly, this cycle continues to repeat itself.

In an interview with Metro, actress Jodie recalled an encounter she had with two ladies who approached her and co-star Josh while they were in Lille. The women had attended a private school and were the minority, and they expressed how much they needed a show like Boarders. For Jodie, this was a realization that the show was making an impact and resonating with people.

Both Jodie and Josh, who play Leah and Jaheim respectively, had full confidence in the script from the start. As actors who had personally experienced similar situations, they were able to bring authenticity to their roles. Jodie, who was a scholarship student at a private school, related to the script immediately and was excited to be a part of such a relatable story. Josh also drew from personal experiences when preparing for his role, having spent two weeks at a private school before the cost became too much for his family. He also attended schools in areas outside of London where he was one of the few Black students, making his portrayal of Jaheim's experiences all the more genuine.

The two stars credit the show's success to its relatable characters and storylines, as well as its clever blend of comedy and drama. Boarders stands out from other coming-of-age shows because of its raw and real portrayal of teenage life. It's a refreshing change from the "perfect" and unrealistic depictions of young people often seen on TV.

One of the show's strengths is its diverse and relatively fresh cast. While Josh had a few projects under his belt, this was Jodie's first major role. They both credit the show's creative team for giving them the freedom to shape their characters and dialogue, making them feel authentic and relatable. In a time when it's easy to get it wrong, Boarders gets it right.

The second season of Boarders promises to be just as captivating as the first, with guest stars such as Alan Cumming, Natalie Cassidy, and Cara Theobold joining the cast. The new season will explore new challenges for our group of teens, with standout moments for Leah as she continues her fight for justice and a threatening ultimatum from the new headteacher, Carol, that puts all five students under pressure.

But the vibe of the new season is different from the first, as Josh explains. While the first season tackled heavy and polarizing topics such as Jaheim's beating and Leah's activism, the second season allows the characters to just be kids. It's a refreshing change that adds another layer to the show's already complex and relatable characters.

Boarders season two is set to premiere on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, February 2nd. Fans of the show can expect another season full of laughter, drama, and relatable moments. As always, the show's creators and actors hope to spark important conversations and bring attention to important issues facing young people today.

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