8.5 / 10 (based on 40 reviews)
You thought the Jail series was over did ya? No Siree Bob. The boys are still in jail and the shitshow continues.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay, Mike Smith, David Lawrence
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1 season, 38 episodes
Shows Most Like Trailer Park Boys: Jail Shorts (2020)
Trailer Park Boys: Jail (2021)
8.3 / 10 (based on 486 reviews)
It’s been peaceful and tranquil in Sunnyvale Trailer Park lately, but that’s because The Boys aren’t there. Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles are back – in JAIL.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith, David Lawrence
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1 season, 10 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
The Roach Approach (2021)
9.1 / 10 (based on 11 reviews)
Is shit constantly fucking up on you? Life got you down? Then let Pat Roach teach you how to approach life in a whole new way. His way. The Roach Approach.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Patrick Roach, Mike Smith, Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay
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2 seasons, 101 episodes
Trailer Park Boys: Park After Dark (2019)
9.1 / 10 (based on 76 reviews)
Three guys live in a trailer park in Nova Scotia with an alcoholic manager, smoking weed all day, getting into a butt load of trouble Mockumentary with guest stars like Snoop Dogg.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Robb Wells, Mike Smith, John Paul Tremblay, Patrick Roach
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3 seasons, 139 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series (2019)
7.5 / 10 (based on 3233 reviews)
Nova Scotia’s favorite miscreants have always been super sketchy. Now, carrying on from the Season 12 finale, the boys have become complete cartoons.
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Main Cast: John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith, Patrick Roach
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2 seasons, 20 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park (2016)
7 / 10 (based on 2482 reviews)
Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles go to Europe for a paid vacation and realize when they get there they have to complete tasks in different countries to earn money to party.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith, Tom Mayhue
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2 seasons, 16 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
On the Road with TPB (2013)
8.7 / 10 (based on 9 reviews)
Ricky, Julian and Bubbles leave the trailer park and travel the world the only way they know how – stoned and drunk as fuck.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith, Patrick Roach
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1 season, 41 episodes
In the realm of television, few shows manage to carve out a niche so unique they become almost synonymous with a genre. “Trailer Park Boys” is one such show, blending comedy, mockumentary style, and an unapologetic portrayal of life on the fringes. Its success has spawned numerous seasons, movies, and specials. Among these, “Trailer Park Boys: Jail Shorts” (2020) stands out as a notable entry. This series takes the beloved characters from the Sunnyvale Trailer Park and places them in an entirely new setting: jail. But does it live up to the legacy of the main series? Let’s break it down.
The Premise
At its core, “Trailer Park Boys: Jail Shorts” is exactly what it sounds like. The series follows the misadventures of Ricky, Julian, Bubbles, and the rest of the gang as they navigate life inside prison walls. What makes it interesting is how it retains the essence of the original series—its humor, character dynamics, and knack for getting into absurd situations—while exploring the new dynamics and challenges that come with being incarcerated.
The Characters
The strength of “Trailer Park Boys” has always been its characters, and “Jail Shorts” is no exception. The series doesn’t introduce many new faces, focusing instead on the familiar:
- Ricky: As reckless and harebrained as ever, Ricky’s schemes become even more ludicrous inside jail. His attempts to smuggle in contraband or become the “king” of the prison yard are highlights.
- Julian: The brains of the operation, Julian tries to maintain some level of order and planning, even behind bars. His efforts often get derailed by Ricky’s antics or the unpredictable nature of jail life.
- Bubbles: The heart of the group, Bubbles’ struggles to adapt to jail life add an emotional layer to the series. His innocence and good nature often clash with the harsh realities of their situation.
The interactions among these three, along with appearances from other series regulars like Randy and Mr. Lahey (in spirit, given actor John Dunsworth’s passing), keep the show’s trademark humor and warmth alive.
The Humor
What sets “Trailer Park Boys: Jail Shorts” apart from other prison-based shows is its humor. The series never takes itself too seriously, finding comedy in the absurdity of its situations. From Ricky misunderstanding basic legal concepts to Bubbles starting a cat café in the prison yard, the show is packed with moments that are both ridiculous and hilarious. This humor serves as a reminder of the show’s roots and its commitment to entertaining its audience above all else.
The Setting
The jail setting of the series offers new opportunities for storytelling. The confined space and strict rules of the prison contrast sharply with the freedom of the trailer park, forcing the characters to adapt in amusing ways. This shift in setting also allows the show to explore themes of authority, control, and rebellion, albeit in its unique, lighthearted manner.
Standout Episodes
Among the series’ episodes, a few stand out for their creativity, humor, and ability to capture the essence of “Trailer Park Boys”:
- The Contraband Market: This episode showcases Ricky’s attempt to run a contraband market inside the jail, with predictably disastrous results. It’s a perfect example of how the show blends humor with commentary on the prison system.
- Bubbles’ Cat Café: Here, Bubbles tries to bring a bit of joy to the inmates by setting up a cat café. It’s both funny and touching, highlighting Bubbles’ innocence and the harsh reality of their situation.
Reception and Legacy
“Trailer Park Boys: Jail Shorts” has been well-received by fans of the original series. It manages to retain the charm and humor of “Trailer Park Boys” while offering something new. However, it’s not without its critics. Some argue that the series relies too heavily on established character dynamics and doesn’t do enough to explore the potential of its new setting.
Despite these criticisms, the series stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the “Trailer Park Boys” universe. It demonstrates that even after 20 years, there’s still life in the stories of Ricky, Julian, Bubbles, and the rest of the Sunnyvale crew.
Conclusion
“Trailer Park Boys: Jail Shorts” is a worthy addition to the franchise. It brings back the characters fans love and puts them in a new, challenging environment. While it may not reach the heights of the original series in terms of narrative depth or character development, it succeeds in what it sets out to do: make people laugh. In a world that often seems too serious, there’s something to be said for a show that can consistently deliver humor, warmth, and a sense of camaraderie.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the “Trailer Park Boys” or someone looking for a light-hearted escape, “Jail Shorts” offers a unique take on life behind bars—one that’s less about the hardships of prison and more about the enduring bonds of friendship and the absurd lengths people will go to for a laugh. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the most interesting stories come from the most unlikely places.