Alan Carr’s 80s Coming-of-Age Comedy Returns
Alan Carr’s semi-autobiographical sitcom Changing Ends returns for a third series later this month on ITVX, ITV1, and STV. Set in Northampton, the show combines warmth, wit, and nostalgia as it explores the ups and downs of growing up.
Series Success and Popularity
Since its debut, the BAFTA-nominated series has amassed over 14 million streams on ITVX and won an RTS Award earlier this year. This success highlights the national appeal of Alan Carr’s bittersweet portrayal of 80s adolescence.
Setting and Plot of Series Three
The new series is set in the summer of 1989 and follows young Alan, played by Oliver Savell, now a teenager facing the challenges of adolescence. The story captures the turmoil of raging hormones, shifting identity, and a new crush named Jake that intensifies Alan’s emotional journey.
Parallel Storylines: Family and Football
Alan’s father, Graham (Shaun Dooley), manages Northampton Town football club and struggles as the team slips to Division Three. The show skillfully balances Alan’s personal growth with his father's professional challenges, blending sports drama and emotional depth.
Key Themes and Moments
- Alan’s awkward experiences with sleepovers, swimming lessons, and social outings
- His internal conflict over whether to keep his feelings hidden or express them openly
- Humour and affection that characterize Carr’s storytelling style
"Love-struck Alan faces the agonies of sleepovers, swimming lessons and awkward nights out, while wondering whether to keep his feelings quiet or shout them from the rooftops."
Author’s summary: The third series of Changing Ends continues to capture the delicate balance between youthful self-discovery and family pressures, all set to the nostalgic backdrop of late 1980s Northampton.