Gap Year is a British comedy-drama series created by Tom Basden, which premiered on E4 in February 2017. The series follows a group of young adults on a backpacking trip across Asia, as they seek to discover themselves and find their place in the world. The show's main characters are Sean (played by Anders Hayward) and Dylan (played by Ade Oyefeso), two childhood friends from England who embark on a gap year trip to China before university. Along the way, they meet a variety of characters, including May (played by Alice Lee), an American expat who becomes Sean's love interest; Ashley (played by Brittney Wilson), a Canadian traveler who Dylan befriends; and Greg (played by Tim Key), an eccentric British expat who becomes their guide and mentor.
Throughout the series, the group faces a variety of challenges and adventures, from getting lost in the streets of Bangkok to being caught up in a revolution in Myanmar. Along the way, they grapple with issues such as cultural differences, relationships, and finding their purpose in life.
One of the strengths of Gap Year is its focus on character development. Each of the main characters undergoes a journey of self-discovery throughout the series, learning more about themselves and their place in the world. Sean, for instance, begins as a somewhat naive and sheltered young man, but gradually gains confidence and independence as he navigates the challenges of the trip. Dylan, meanwhile, struggles with his identity as a mixed-race individual, and wrestles with cultural expectations and preconceptions.
The show is also notable for its diverse cast, which includes actors from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. This diversity is reflected in the themes and issues explored in the show, which touch on universal human experiences such as love, loss, and friendship, while also acknowledging the complexities of cultural identity and difference.
Overall, Gap Year is a lighthearted and enjoyable series that offers a fresh take on the classic backpacking adventure story. Its blend of comedy and drama, along with its well-drawn characters and diverse cast, make it a standout addition to E4's lineup.
Gap Year is a series that ran for 5 seasons (9 episodes) between February 23, 2017 and on E4
