Channel 4's Noughties Drama 'The Secret Life of Us' Reportedly Set for Reboot After 21 Years
The Secret Life of Us, the critically acclaimed Channel 4 drama from the early 2000s, is rumoured to be in line for a television revival, more than two decades after its original run concluded. The Australian series, which aired for four successful seasons between 2001 and 2005, is said to be the subject of preliminary discussions regarding a potential comeback.
Co-Creator Confirms Early Talks but Rules Out Personal Involvement
Amanda Higgs, the co-creator and producer of the original show, has confirmed that there have been early conversations about rebooting the series. Speaking at RMIT's 100 Years of Television symposium last week, Higgs acknowledged the speculation, stating, "There's a lot of talk.... well, not a lot... there's a tiny bit of talk about whether we'll do Secret Life again."
However, Higgs explicitly ruled herself out of participating in any revival project. She explained, "No! I am too old to make that show. I think if you're creating for younger audiences, you have to have that younger sensibility." She emphasised the need for a new generation of television makers and commissioners to lead such an initiative, highlighting the importance of diversity and fresh perspectives in contemporary programming.
Launchpad for Hollywood Careers and Cultural Impact
The original series was set in the beachside suburb of St Kilda, Melbourne, and followed the lives of a group of friends in their mid-20s living in a block of flats. It became a cultural touchstone and served as a significant launchpad for several actors who later achieved international fame.
Most notably, Joel Edgerton, who played scaffolder Will, has since become a major Hollywood star and producer. His career includes acclaimed roles in films such as Zero Dark Thirty, The Great Gatsby, and Animal Kingdom, as well as his portrayal of Owen Lars in the Star Wars franchise. Edgerton is currently nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role in Train Dreams.
The ensemble cast also featured:
- Claudia Karvan
- Sam Johnson
- Abi Tucker
- Sibylla Budd
- David Tredinnick
- Spencer McLaren
- Damian De Montemas
- Michael Dorman
Deborah Mailman, who played central character Kelly Lewis, has become one of Australia's most cherished actresses, with roles in series like Offspring, The Sapphires, Redfern Now, and Cleverman.
Future Prospects and Industry Evolution
While Higgs may not be involved, her comments suggest that plans for a reboot could still progress under new creative leadership. She reflected on the original series' impact, noting it provided a platform to authentically portray young people's lives. Higgs asserted that the television industry now requires a "new wave of television makers, not white people. Young people. And I think we need it in our commissioners as well."
This potential revival comes at a time when reboots and revivals of classic shows are increasingly popular across global streaming platforms and broadcast networks. The enduring appeal of The Secret Life of Us, with its focus on friendship, romance, and the challenges of early adulthood, could resonate with both nostalgic original viewers and a new generation of audiences if the project moves forward.
