Buffering season two

Comedian and Love Island host Iain Stirling has joined forces once again with co-writer and stand-up comic Steve Bugeja for the second series of ITV sitcom Buffering. In it, Stirling plays a fictionalised version of himself: a children’s TV presenter (Stirling got his TV break on CBBC shows Scoop and The Dog Ate My Homework) struggling with his love life as he negotiates growing older. He shares a fashionable London house with a group of friends who’re also in their late-20s. However, following the events of the previous series, a rift has formed between couple Greg (Paul G Raymond) and Ash (Rosa Robson). Bugeja, Jessie Cave and Janine Harouni round off the ensemble cast, alongside a boastful selection of cameos from celebrities and comedians.

As a premise, Buffering has plenty of comedic potential. The concept of millennials realising that they’re not the young generation anymore is a great one that’s fantastically encapsulated in the opening episode, in which the ensemble refuses to acknowledge that they’re too old for wild house parties. The next storyline continues this thematic train of thought when the gang fail to make a good impression at a singles night. Despite the talent involved in this show, though, the comedy sadly doesn’t work as intended.

In theory, a quibbling couple who are roped into participating in puppet therapy at a disastrous house party is so off-the-wall that it should be hilarious, made all the funnier thanks to the scene’s awkward yet emotional context. However, the joke is slightly overcooked. It overstays its welcome for just long enough that the scene’s charm has worn off by the end. This is a running issue throughout the opening episodes: the script and cast put more emphasis on the gags than is necessary, which serves to undermine the punchlines that take fire at millennial culture. Writers Stirling and Bugeja are enormously talented comics, however, this show isn’t reflective of their comedic chops.

Buffering has everything it needs to be a pitch-perfect sitcom. It’s got the comedic talent behind and in front of the camera, as well as a timely premise that’s sure to resonate with the target audience. It’s frustrating then, that these ingredients don’t come together for the final product.

Andrew Murray

Buffering season two is released on ITV2 and ITVX on 30^th January 2023.