Alice and Steve (2026)

The British comedy Alice and Steve, from the mind of Sex Education writer Sophie Goodhart, starts from a premise that is as unusual as it is uncomfortable. Alice (Nicola Walker) and Steve (Jemaine Clement) are in their fifties, ex-partners, and have been good friends for years. Alice has two children, including 26-year-old Izzy. When Steve and Izzy start a relationship due to a curious turn of events, the peace is shattered for good.

In the six episodes that follow, that situation becomes a moral stress test for everyone involved. Who actually has the right to worry about this? The relationship evokes alternating indignation, surprise, and admiration, and it is precisely there that Alice and Steve finds its comedic power.

The series is simultaneously unbalanced. Sometimes the story is barely believable, then again surprisingly charming, corny (the final episode), or downright hilarious. The humor is reminiscent of Platonic, Pure, Kärlek & Anarki, and of course Sex Education. Moreover, with a touch of Beef, Alice and Steve manages to create a pleasantly awkward atmosphere.

Alice and Steve has an interesting premise and a number of witty observations, but just lacks the dramatic depth to be truly convincing. A charming and occasionally funny series that primarily shows how complicated love, friendship, and family can become once all boundaries blur.

Translated from Dutch · View original