49 Up

There is something so deeply humbling about this series. Watching these kids—who I feel like I’ve known for hours now—hit nearly half a century is a trip.

​At this point, the "gimmick" has completely evaporated and it just feels like checking in on old friends. Some have settled into a quiet, lovely contentment, while others are still clearly grappling with the hand they were dealt at seven years old. It’s less about the British class system now and more about the universal, terrifying speed of time.

​Neil continues to be the emotional heartbeat of the whole project for me, but seeing everyone start to reckon with their legacies and their parents' aging is what really got me this time. It’s not always "exciting" television, but as a human document, it’s pretty much

There is something so deeply humbling about this series. Watching these kids—who I feel like I’ve known for hours now—hit nearly half a century is a trip.

​At this point, the "gimmick" has completely evaporated and it just feels like checking in on old friends. Some have settled into a quiet, lovely contentment, while others are still clearly grappling with the hand they were dealt at seven years old. It’s less about the British class system now and more about the universal, terrifying speed of time.

​Neil continues to be the emotional heartbeat of the whole project for me, but seeing everyone start to reckon with their legacies and their parents' aging is what really got me this time. It’s not always "exciting" television, but as a human document, it’s pretty much

I can’t believe we’re at the stage where they have grandchildren. Not even 50. Another thing to point out, that despite where they started or how much they have, everyone seems to be living pretty comfortable lives. They also all seem to be at the stage where they hate having to keep doing this docuseries. I choose to believe that later, they’ll look fondly on it. 

Tony - Deb is in a new place that I love. Doesn’t give a fucks. It’s beautiful that Tony is acting, he always wanted that. Wild of him to announce his racism. He left the city because of woke!! It’s crazy what they get these people to say even when they’ve done this so many times. 

The girls - Jackie has things to SAY and I’m here for it. Starting to resent being perceived. Sue seems to be living well with this new relationship! 

Bruce - Well he sold out his politics but he certainly did more than I’ve ever been willing to do. He couldn’t have predicted the way the politics would’ve swung. 

Paul - It sounds like Paul’s had a tough time and it sucks he’s such a good guy. Still seems to be suffering from not believing in himself. I love their routine where he runs and she bikes alongside him with water, that’s adorable.

Suzi - She really hates participating in this and really always has. I wonder why she still does it. 

Nick - Aw Nick. Sad to see him divorced but he’s already found someone else! I don’t know why I’m skeptical of her. 

Lynn - She loves her job but the propaganda against teachers is so strong at this time. Heartbreaking. This woman deserves to live comfortably. 

Symon - Whipped, thankfully. A reunion with Paul! Cute. 

Andrew - You can actually see the visible indicators of class just disappearing. They dress middle-class. Of course he has a thrill junkie son. Love their country house project though.

John - Back again! I think he’s changed the least since he was 7.

Neil - Beautiful location! Doin his best.

I can’t believe we’re at the stage where they have grandchildren. Not even 50. Another thing to point out, that despite where they started or how much they have, everyone seems to be living pretty comfortable lives. They also all seem to be at the stage where they hate having to keep doing this docuseries. I choose to believe that later, they’ll look fondly on it. 

Tony - Deb is in a new place that I love. Doesn’t give a fucks. It’s beautiful that Tony is acting, he always wanted that. Wild of him to announce his racism. He left the city because of woke!! It’s crazy what they get these people to say even when they’ve done this so many times. 

The girls - Jackie has things to SAY and I’m here for it. Starting to resent being perceived. Sue seems to be living well with this new relationship! 

Bruce - Well he sold out his politics but he certainly did more than I’ve ever been willing to do. He couldn’t have predicted the way the politics would’ve swung. 

Paul - It sounds like Paul’s had a tough time and it sucks he’s such a good guy. Still seems to be suffering from not believing in himself. I love their routine where he runs and she bikes alongside him with water, that’s adorable.

Suzi - She really hates participating in this and really always has. I wonder why she still does it. 

Nick - Aw Nick. Sad to see him divorced but he’s already found someone else! I don’t know why I’m skeptical of her. 

Lynn - She loves her job but the propaganda against teachers is so strong at this time. Heartbreaking. This woman deserves to live comfortably. 

Symon - Whipped, thankfully. A reunion with Paul! Cute. 

Andrew - You can actually see the visible indicators of class just disappearing. They dress middle-class. Of course he has a thrill junkie son. Love their country house project though.

John - Back again! I think he’s changed the least since he was 7.

Neil - Beautiful location! Doin his best.