The opening scene of The Full Monty (2023) is a far cry from the original film’s iconic striptease: Gaz Schofield, now older and wiser only in years, is caught mid-heist, trying to dognap a poodle with all the finesse of a man who hasn’t learned from his past mistakes. This moment sets the tone for the miniseries—a mix of comedy and drama that tries to recapture the spirit of the 1997 classic but often stumbles in its execution.

Created by Simon Beaufoy and Alice Nutter, this follow-up brings back Robert Carlyle as Gaz and Mark Addy as Dave, reuniting the core duo whose unlikely journey into male stripping made the original film a surprise hit. The series, however, swaps the steelworks of Sheffield for dognapping schemes, pigeon racing, and an unconventional hostage situation. The premise is a departure from the original’s working-class struggles and masculine vulnerability, which explored unemployment, mental health, and fragile masculinity with both humor and heart.

The series premiering on FX on Hulu in the United States and Disney+ in the United Kingdom and internationally, attempts to honor its predecessor by tackling serious themes, such as grief and redemption. The original film, directed by Peter Cattaneo, was a modest British comedy that became an international hit, praised for its heartfelt portrayal of working-class life and its blend of humor and drama. The 2023 series aims to capture that same magic but often falls short.

What works in this revival are the performances, particularly Carlyle and Addy, who retain their chemistry and comedic timing. Carlyle’s Gaz is still a lovable rogue, his charm offset by his perpetual bad decisions. Addy’s Dave provides a grounding presence, the voice of reason to Gaz’s chaos. Lesley Sharp as Jean Horsefall also delivers a standout performance, adding depth to the ensemble with her portrayal of a woman caught between loyalty and frustration. Tom Wilkinson’s final television role as Gerald Arthur Cooper adds emotional weight, providing a poignant anchor amidst the series’ comedic antics.

The series attempts to blend comedy and drama, but it often feels uneven. The humor is hit-or-miss, relying too heavily on slapstick and farcical situations that lack the original’s sharp social commentary. The pacing is another issue; the eight-episode structure allows for character development but also leads to meandering subplots that dilute the narrative focus. For instance, the dognapping scheme and pigeon racing subplots feel like forced attempts at humor that don’t align with the series’ dramatic aspirations.

Visually, the series captures the gritty aesthetic of Sheffield, with locations like Gleadless Valley and Meadowhall Shopping Centre adding authenticity. However, the cinematography lacks the distinctive visual style that made the original film memorable. The direction is functional but unremarkable, failing to elevate the material beyond a straightforward adaptation. The series’ attempt to blend comedy and drama is its biggest hurdle. While there are moments of genuine pathos—Tom Wilkinson’s final television role as Gerald Arthur Cooper adds emotional weight—the tonal shifts are often jarring. The humor feels forced at times, relying on over-the-top antics that undercut the dramatic beats.

The series’ exploration of themes like grief and redemption is commendable, but it often feels superficial. The original film’s depth in addressing unemployment, urban degeneration, mental health, and fragile masculinity is notably absent here. The 2023 series tries to tackle these issues but does so in a way that feels rushed and underdeveloped. For example, the unconventional hostage situation subplot attempts to delve into Gaz’s emotional struggles but lacks the nuance and depth of the original film’s exploration of similar themes.

The Full Monty (2023) is a well-intentioned but flawed attempt to revive a beloved classic. While the performances by Carlyle and Addy are commendable, the series struggles to find its footing, oscillating between heartfelt drama and slapstick comedy without achieving the balance of the original. The series’ attempt to blend comedy and drama is its biggest hurdle. While there are moments of genuine pathos—Tom Wilkinson’s final television role as Gerald Arthur Cooper adds emotional weight—the tonal shifts are often jarring. The humor feels forced at times, relying on over-the-top antics that undercut the dramatic beats.

The Full Monty (2023) is a series that will appeal primarily to fans of the original film who are eager to see the return of their favorite characters. However, it lacks the originality and depth that made the 1997 film a standout. The series’ attempt to recapture the magic of the original is admirable but ultimately falls short. While it has its moments of humor and heart, it fails to deliver a cohesive narrative or a fresh perspective on the themes it explores.

The Full Monty (2023) is a well-intentioned but flawed attempt to revive a beloved classic.

Tags: comedies, Disney, Lesley Sharp, Mark Addy, Robert Carlyle, The Full Monty