The third and final season of Big Boys, written by Westminster Journalism BA Honours alumnus Jack Rooke, has been released on Channel 4. Based on his time studying at the University, the show explores themes of friendship, mental health, sexuality and identity.
As both writer and narrator, Jack tells the story of two misfit guys becoming best friends at university and was inspired by his time at Westminster. Set at Harrow Campus, the show explores grief, depression, identity, sexuality and friendship, and won the hearts of the masses with its humour and emotional depth. It also won the praise of critics, with Jack being named a BAFTA Breakthrough creative and taking home the BAFTA for Best Comedy Writer for the second series. In the same year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Westminster .
The first episode of season three of the award-winning show aired on Sunday 9 February and concludes Jack’s journey at university, focusing on his last year grappling with dissertations, relationships and adulthood.
Jack graduated with a Journalism BA Honours degree in 2014. After his studies he gained popularity with his first show Good Grief, a comedy-theatre piece co-written with his 85-year-old Nan. In 2017, he wrote Happy Hour, commissioned by the Soho Theatre for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The two shows were then adapted to become Big Boys.
Writer Jack Rooke. Photo credit: Channel 4
His dedication to themes such as mental health extends beyond his creative career. As an ambassador for CALM, a suicide prevention charity, Jack is passionate about raising awareness for the mental health struggles young people face daily.
When receiving his Honorary Doctorate in 2024, Jack commented: “The role of higher education in the creative industries is always more than just the acquisition of skills and the teachings of creative practice. It’s about the development of self, the ways in which you learn how to be a creative around other creatives. The key I believe is to learn how to have an uncompromising vision for something, whilst being able to practically compromise, with hopefully collaborators you trust.”
Haydn Worley, Senior Alumni Officer at the University of Westminster, said: "We are incredibly proud of Jack Rooke and his remarkable achievements with Big Boys. His work not only entertains but also brings to light important issues such as mental health, friendship and identity. Jack's dedication to these themes, both in his creative endeavours and his advocacy, exemplifies the values we hold dear at the University of Westminster. Jack's journey from a student at Westminster to a BAFTA-winning writer is an inspiration to us all, and we are honoured to have been a part of his story. We cannot wait to see the final episodes and what Jack gets up to next!”
Jack’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it spotlights key narratives and themes that are relatively underrepresented on television, helping those who may be struggling through similar situations. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Media and Communications courses at the University of Westminster.
Photo credit: Channel 4
Related articles
