Jack Rooke, the British comedian and writer behind the BAFTA-winning sitcom “Big Boys,” has been making waves in the U.S. entertainment industry. Known for his unique blend of humor and serious topics such as grief, loss, sexuality, and mental health, Rooke has been meeting with American producers and networks in Los Angeles.
“Big Boys,” which follows the unlikely friendship between freshman Jack and mature student Danny, is filled with jokes and gags, but also delves into deeper, emotional moments. It’s these heavier themes that have reportedly moved some U.S. producers to tears during meetings with Rooke.
Despite the success of “Big Boys” in the UK, Rooke acknowledges that breaking into the American market is a different challenge. With the third and final season of the show now streaming on Hulu, Rooke is focused on slowly building a following in the U.S.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings in the comedy world, Rooke sees his journey to America as a new chapter in his career. While he may have started in small venues in the UK, he now finds himself in Hollywood, meeting with top industry professionals and gaining celebrity fans like Vanessa Bayer.
Looking ahead, Rooke is eager to explore new opportunities in the U.S. market and create content that appeals to a global audience. He sees the American entertainment industry as more open to mixed-genre shows like “Big Boys,” where comedy and drama coexist seamlessly.
As he navigates the challenges of expanding his reach across the pond, Rooke remains optimistic about the future. With a growing fan base and support from industry insiders, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the American entertainment scene. As a British comedian making waves in Hollywood, Tom Rooke is on a mission to create content that transcends borders and resonates with a global audience. Inspired by the success of creators like Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who seamlessly blended British humor with international appeal in shows like “Fleabag” and “Killing Eve,” Rooke is determined to make his mark on the world stage.
In his quest to write his own version of a global hit, Rooke is currently working on a pilot for Netflix UK that promises to combine the best elements of British comedy with a touch of drama. Drawing inspiration from shows like “Veep,” which expertly balanced British wit with American sensibilities, Rooke aims to create a show that keeps audiences on their toes with unexpected twists and turns.
While Rooke’s journey in Hollywood has been filled with meetings and pitches for new ideas, the possibility of a US remake of his hit show “Big Boys” has also been discussed. However, Rooke is adamant that any adaptation must stay true to the core themes of friendship and chosen family that made the original series a success.
Looking ahead, Rooke is considering making a more permanent move to Los Angeles, where he feels his unique comedic voice is being celebrated by networks and producers. With plans to spend the summer in London before returning to LA in the fall, Rooke is hopeful that the buzz around “Big Boys” will continue to grow and attract a larger audience in the US.
Ultimately, Rooke’s goal is for “Big Boys” to become a household name in America, where it no longer needs to be spelled out in full on streaming platforms like Hulu. With a growing fanbase and positive feedback from American viewers, Rooke is excited about the potential for his show to become a slow-burning success that captures the hearts of audiences around the world.
