About Chewing Gum

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Chewing Gum is a British TV comedy series created and written by Michaela Coel. It premiered on E4 in 2015 and ran for two seasons. The show follows the life of Tracey Gordon, a 24-year-old shop assistant in London, who is determined to lose her virginity and explores her own sexual awakening.

The series delves into the quirky and often awkward experiences of Tracey as she navigates the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and cultural expectations. Through its bold and irreverent humor, Chewing Gum tackles social issues and challenges traditional stereotypes, making it a unique addition to the British TV comedy genre.

Making / Production

Chewing Gum was adapted from Michaela Coel's one-woman play titled "Chewing Gum Dreams," which she wrote and performed at the National Youth Theatre in 2012. Coel continued to be heavily involved in the production of the TV series, serving as the creator, writer, and lead actress.

The show was produced by Retort and aired on E4. It received critical acclaim for its clever writing, authentic portrayal of contemporary London life, and its diverse and talented cast.

Actors

• Michaela Coel as Tracey Gordon - the main protagonist and a shop assistant on a quest to lose her virginity.
• Robert Lonsdale as Connor - Tracey's boyfriend who struggles with his own insecurities.
• Susan Wokoma as Cynthia - Tracey's religious and highly opinionated sister.
• Shola Adewusi as Joy - Tracey's eccentric and overbearing mother.
• Danielle Walters as Candice - Tracey's best friend and partner in wild adventures.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Chewing Gum is loosely based on Michaela Coel's own experiences growing up in London.
• The show was praised for its bold and unapologetic exploration of female sexuality, breaking barriers in the TV comedy genre.
• Michaela Coel won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for her role as Tracey Gordon.
• Chewing Gum received international recognition and was picked up for distribution by Netflix.

Awards

Chewing Gum won several awards during its run, including the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for Michaela Coel.

Quotes

• "I've got a horn, and I want to be free to toot it!" - Tracey Gordon
• "I'm not some animal to be traded, mama. I'm a human being with needs!" - Tracey Gordon
• "Society wants to shame me for being sex positive. Well, I'm here to tell society, 'Tickle me, I dare you!'" - Tracey Gordon

Music

The music in Chewing Gum reflects the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of the show's setting in London. The series features a mix of genres, including pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, adding to the energetic and youthful spirit of the show.

Soundtrack

• "Boyfriend" by Tegan and Sara
• "Dumpin'" by Jon Phonics
• "Bam Bam" by Valkyrians
• "Gash" by Lady Leshurr
• "She Wants To Move" by N.E.R.D