Navigating the Nostalgic Maze: How Many "This is England" Series Are There?
Ah, "This is England." A coming-of-age story that punches you in the feels, throws you a ska anthem dance party, and then leaves you pondering the complexities of Thatcher's Britain. But with a film and multiple series, it can get confusing! Fear not, fellow fans, for I, your friendly neighborhood nostalgia guide, am here to break it down.
How Many This Is England Series Are There |
The OG: This is England (2006)
This is where it all began. We meet Shaun, a young lad who falls in with a skinhead gang after his dad goes off to fight in the Falklands War. It's a raw, funny, and emotional rollercoaster that launched a thousand "The Chosen One" memes (because seriously, Woody, why?).
The Gang Gets Back Together: The Sequel Series
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
The love for the film spawned a trilogy (well, technically a quadrilogy, but we'll get to that) of sequel miniseries, each set a few years later. Here's the breakdown:
- This is England '86 (2010): It's 1986, the era of synth-pop and mullets. Shaun's back with the gang, navigating new friendships, first loves, and the ever-present Thatcherite gloom.
- This is England '88 (2011): Racism rears its ugly head, loyalties are tested, and everyone seems to be obsessed with acid house. Buckle up for a wild ride.
- This is England '90 (2015): The gang's all grown up (well, sort of), dealing with adulthood, Britpop, and the lingering ghosts of their past.
So, How Many Exactly?
For the mathematically challenged (like yours truly, sometimes), that's one film and three miniseries, making a grand total of four "This is England" installments.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Bonus Round: This is England '90 (2015)
Technically, there's a one-off follow-up drama called "This is England '90" (yes, the title is exactly the same). It focuses on a different character and doesn't directly tie into the main story. But hey, more "This is England" is never a bad thing, right?
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
"This is England" FAQ
How to watch "This is England" in order?
Film -> This is England '86 -> This is England '88 -> This is England '90 (and then maybe the bonus drama if you're feeling peckish for more)
How to explain "This is England" to your parents?
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Think "The Wonder Years" meets "Trainspotting," but with a British accent and a whole lot of ska.
How to dress like the "This is England" gang?
Get ready to raid your dad's old clothes: think bomber jackets, Ben Sherman shirts, and combat boots. Bonus points for a Harrington jacket and a shaved head (but maybe skip that last one).
How to deal with the emotional rollercoaster that is "This is England"?
Stock up on tissues, find a friend to commiserate with, and crank up some The Specials.
How to find your own "This is England" crew?
Look for the people who appreciate good music, questionable fashion choices, and reminiscing about a bygone era.
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