Tubi to Co-Produce 'Boarders' Season 2 with the BBC

Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and the like need to watch out, as FAST streamers are coming up behind them quickly. Tubi, the Free Ad-Supported TV streaming app, once treated like the tiny afterthought in a much larger race to the top by large-scale exclusive content streamers, has been eating the lunches of some much more expensive services, with viewership numbers that beat Apple TV+, Peacock, and Paramount+. Now, it's not only getting into the original game by bringing over content from the UY.K., but it's also stepping up to help co-produce its most popular series, ensuring there will be more seasons. That includes Boarders, the BBC-produced series about five Black British teens from London's inner city who find themselves shipped off to Public School, only to discover it's a PR stunt and band together to prove themselves to the haters.

Season 1 of Boarders was a sleeper hit on iPlayer, and the BBC renewed the series for Season 2 only a few months after its debut. Considering the success the series also had on Tubi, it seemed likely the FAST service would once again carry the show, as long as someone with more money didn't swoop in and grab it. But Tubi's producers have gone one better. Not only has the streaming service signed on to carry the second season, it's also lined up to co-produce the series, ensuring that the show can't be taken away from them.

Moreover, like Masterpiece has done in the past few years in response to the streaming wars, Tubi's involvement at the producer level also gives the streaming service a say in whether or not the show comes back, so even if Season 2 flops on iPlayer, American viewers will have a shot at more episodes.

Speaking to Variety, which broke the news, Tubi’s Sam Horowitz said, “Our belief in Daniel Lawrence Taylor’s compelling storytelling and the show’s phenomenal cast is underscored by our commitment to come on board as a co-producer this season as we continue to bring our audiences relevant and authentic stories that appeal to young and diverse viewers.”

 “We were overwhelmed by the response to ‘Boarders’ series one when it launched on Tubi in North America," said Daniel Lawrence Taylor. "To have received the feedback from critics and American viewers alike was fantastic. As you can imagine, we’re excited to be back at St Gilbert's and on set with what I hope will be every bit as funny, thought-provoking, and as well received as the first series.”

Boarders will see the return of the fab five, Josh Tedeku as Jaheim, Jodie Campbell as Leah, Sekou Diaby as Toby, Myles Kamwendo as Omar, and Aruna Jalloh as Femi, along with the show's supporting cast of Harry Gilby as Rupert, Tallulah Greive as Beatrix, Rosie Graham as Florence, and Assa Kanouté as Abby. Daniel Lawrence Taylor returns as their mentor Gus, as do Niky Wardley as Carol Watlington-Geese and Derek Riddell as former Headmaster Bernard.

Boarders Season 2 does not yet have a release date but is expected to air and stream in 2025.