iCarly Revival: Nathan Kress and Jerry Trainor Spill Secrets on Sam’s Absence, Character Updates, and the Show’s Evolution

The highly anticipated iCarly revival has arrived, transporting us back to the beloved world of the original Nickelodeon series. Premiering on Paramount+, the revival brings back familiar faces, with the exception of Jennette McCurdy. In an exclusive interview, Nathan Kress and Jerry Trainor shared insights into the revival, addressing Sam’s absence, revealing character updates, and discussing the show’s evolution.

One of the key considerations for the revival was addressing the absence of Sam, played by Jennette McCurdy. Nathan Kress explained, “I think that was one of the key things that we wanted to make sure from the get-go was that we at least explained why Sam is where she is. In the iCarly universe, she went off anyway and went to Los Angeles and is living her own life. We expound on that a little bit.” The show acknowledges Sam’s journey after the original series, where she pursued her own path in Los Angeles following the spinoff Sam & Cat.

Jerry Trainor added, “I would say we address it. We don’t go crazy deep, but we want to let the audience know where she is and what she’s doing.” The creators were mindful of Jennette McCurdy’s decision to move on from acting and respected her personal journey. Nathan emphasized that the show isn’t “trying to steamroll” over Sam’s absence, ensuring that her character’s departure is handled with sensitivity.

Jerry further explained, “While also respecting where Jennette McCurdy is in her life. She’s decided to move on and we’re super proud of her and super happy for her and we miss her. She’s very much a part of our family in this world. But that being said, it has given us the space to introduce new characters, to have new voices, and to go in I think directions that are unexpected and might be welcome.” The absence of Sam opens opportunities for new characters and storylines, allowing the revival to explore fresh and unexpected directions.

Nathan and Jerry, alongside Miranda Cosgrove, formed the core of the original iCarly cast. The actors provided insights into how their characters have evolved nearly a decade after the show’s conclusion.

Nathan offered a glimpse into Freddie’s life, stating, “Freddie has found himself kind of on the wrong end of life. A lot of bad things have happened. He’s been divorced twice. He was a tech entrepreneur, tried to do startups, and utterly failed and everything. He lost everything in the divorces. And now he’s back living with his mom, except now he has his adopted stepdaughter from the second marriage to take care of in the midst of all of these things coming crashing down around him. So when we first find him, he’s not in a great spot.” Freddie’s journey reflects the challenges and setbacks that many individuals face in their late 20s, adding a layer of relatability to the character.

He continued, “But I think the whole idea of iCarly coming back and trying to do the web show again sort of instills this kind of hope I think for him and his own feelings of nostalgia and wanting to sort of get back to simpler times and how things were and how the dynamics were between him, Carly, and Spencer. I think in a way some of Freddie’s experiences reflect the trials and tribulations of other people in their late 20s that have happened in the last few years. We’re in that kind of strange time. Freddie’s are a little more cartoony, a little more out there. He went a little bit further than the average person in their late 20s, but I think there’s a lot of parallels, and that’s kind of a satisfactory thing I feel like to watch coming from this glitzy Nickelodeon, very squeaky world, into this very real, things didn’t quite turn out the way that they were supposed to.” The revival offers a chance for Freddie to rediscover hope and reconnect with the simpler times, reflecting the nostalgia that many viewers feel for the original series.

Spencer, on the other hand, remains largely unchanged. Jerry emphasized that his character “hasn’t changed a bit.” He elaborated, “He got wealthy because he lucked into a sculpture that caught on fire, and everybody thought it was a powerful statement. So now they think he’s a genius when he’s not. Now he’s got the means to be even more eccentric.” Spencer’s newfound wealth allows him to embrace his eccentricities even further, providing comedic moments throughout the revival.

The iCarly revival offers a unique experience for fans. It allows them to return to the world they loved as kids, while also exploring mature themes and storylines. “No one’s really done this before as far as we can tell of taking a beloved kid show in this zany Nickelodeon universe and grown right along with the characters that they played and given the audience that watched that show when they were kids an opportunity to go back to that universe,” Nathan explained. The revival caters to the original audience, who have also grown up, by tackling relatable adult issues and exploring the characters’ lives in a more nuanced way.

Nathan teased that fans will see “a whole different set of circumstances and different opportunities to do things as adults and doing an adult show that we never would have gotten the chance to do if it was a classic reboot of a kids’ show [where] it’s about the kids now and all this stuff. There’s still that element because I have a daughter, but we’re doing it differently than other people who’ve done it before, which is exciting to me.” The revival sets itself apart from traditional reboots by focusing on the original characters as adults and exploring the challenges and opportunities they face. By balancing nostalgia with mature storytelling, the iCarly revival offers a fresh and engaging experience for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

The iCarly revival promises a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and relatable adult themes. With the return of beloved characters and the introduction of new faces, the show embarks on a new chapter, exploring the complexities of adulthood while staying true to the spirit of the original series. As fans tune in to Paramount+, they can expect a nostalgic trip down memory lane, coupled with fresh and engaging storylines that resonate with their own experiences.

The success of the iCarly revival hinges on its ability to capture the essence of the original show while also evolving to meet the expectations of a more mature audience. The creators have taken a thoughtful approach to addressing Sam’s absence, ensuring that her character is respectfully acknowledged and that the show’s narrative can move forward in a meaningful way. By introducing new characters and storylines, the revival has created opportunities for fresh perspectives and unexpected twists.

Furthermore, the character updates for Freddie and Spencer add depth and complexity to their personalities. Freddie’s struggles and setbacks resonate with the challenges faced by many individuals in their late 20s, while Spencer’s continued eccentricity provides comedic relief and adds to the show’s overall charm. By exploring these characters’ lives in a more nuanced way, the revival has created a compelling and relatable viewing experience.

As the iCarly revival continues its run on Paramount+, it will be interesting to see how the show evolves and how the characters navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With its blend of nostalgia, humor, and relatable adult themes, the revival has the potential to become a long-lasting success, captivating audiences and solidifying its place in television history. The dedication of the cast and crew, combined with the thoughtful storytelling, ensures that the iCarly revival will continue to entertain and resonate with viewers for years to come. The revival provides a platform to discuss the challenges and triumphs of adulthood in the digital age, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of social media and online content creation.