In an era where nostalgia is fused into modern digital expression, the announcement of a possible iCarly relaunch sparked a slew of mixed emotions including enthusiasm and curiosity. The original series, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2007 to 2012, carved out a place for itself in the hearts of people throughout the world. It followed the adventures of Carly Shay played by Miranda Cosgrove, a character who became an example of a generation’s aspirations and artistic passions.
In fact, wanting to keep the legacy alive, the show’s move to Paramount+ in June 2021 was planned as a continuation of this, but through the lens of a more mature cinematic climate. During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight at the screening of her new romantic comedy, Mother of the Bride, Miranda Cosgrove, the actress behind Carly Shay, expressed the passion she had when playing her iconic character and the world of iCarly.
“I had a great experience getting to come back and do it for a few seasons, for sure. But I’d love to still be able to wrap up the story in some way. Maybe, hopefully, someday, we’ll still do it. I feel like it would probably be more along the lines of maybe a movie, that would kind of wrap it all up or something like that. So that’s what I’m hoping for…”
– Miranda Cosgrove
Is iCarly Coming To Theaters Anytime Soon?
Despite the Paramount+ series’ conclusion in October 2023 after a three-season run, Cosgrove’s enthusiasm for the series has remained undimmed. With that being said, she has high hopes! She stated that she sees a cinematic farewell that could properly wrap up the missing pieces and answer year long questions that’ll conclude Carly Shay’s story, offering a closure that fans have longed for. She additionally added, telling ET:
“I want to know who Carly’s mother is as much as [fans do]. It seems like a lot of people were hoping to see that.”
– Miranda Cosgrove
Cosgrove’s thoughts are consistent with the continuing impact of iCarly on its fanbase. Originally, the sitcom was a trailblazing tribute to the rising digital age, embodying the essence of teenage innovative thinking and the growing influence on internet culture. Carly Shay’s web show, a groundbreaking platform for humor, friendship, and the hardships of being a teenager, became a cultural staple. With revival, the audience was reunited with familiar faces facing the trials and changes that adulthood brings, added by the addition of new characters that reflect the changing dynamics of life today.
iCarly’s Start and Its Successes
While original series followed Carly Shay as she tried to balance her typical teenage life and her career as a host for the web show iCarly. The Paramount+ reboot series then picked up nine years after the original’s finale, following Carly Shay as she decided to relaunch her once-popular iCarly show.
The Paramount+ series reintroduced Jerry Trainor as Spencer Shay, Nathan Kress as Freddie Benson, and newcomers Laci Mosley as Harper and Jaidyn Triplett as Millicent, alongside a roster of both returning and new characters. Each added layers of intricacy and hilarity to the iCarly universe, tying together old and new threads.
A potential iCarly movie would be an impressive homage to the show’s legacy, bringing together laughter, growth, and the indelible mark of friendship. Many may not know, but Cosgrove serves as an executive producer for the series as well. It would be a tribute to the viewers who, throughout the years, have seen themselves in Carly, Spencer, Freddie, and the rest of the cast, making the series a cherished saga. Furthermore, it would offer a unique opportunity to explore the characters’ paths, delivering a satisfying conclusion to their travels and, by extension, a chapter in television history.
While the future of iCarly, whether in the form of a film or any other medium, remains unknown, Miranda Cosgrove’s hopes and visions, which are shared by many fans, point out the show’s lasting significance and effect. It serves as a subtle reminder that in both film, fiction and life, beginnings are only as captivating as the conclusions they lead to. Would you watch if iCarly brought her web show to a theater near you?