Thursday’s iCarly reboot premiere left some fans more than just a little emotional when the show didn’t hesitate to mention Jennette McCurdy’s fan-favorite character Sam Puckett. Prior to the Thursday, June 17 Paramount+ premiere, McCurdy confirmed she would not be reprising her role of Sam, the character she portrayed throughout the show’s original run and also in her own spinoff, Sam & Cat. Warning: This post contains spoilers for Paramount+’s iCarly reboot premiere, “iStart Over.”
Dropping the first three episodes of the revival on Thursday, the series was quick to address Sam’s absence in the premiere episode. With the series now following the cast – Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, and Nathan Kress – a decade after the original iCarly finale, Cosgrove’s Carly was feeling nostalgic for her favorite pastime: her Internet show. Speaking with Ness’ Freddie, Carly revealed she just wants “to make things again,” and while she doesn’t “need a partner, I need Sam.” It was then revealed that Sam had joined The Obliterators, a biker gang.
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Although fans had been prepared for McCurdy’s absence in the revival, they were not prepared for the wave of emotions Sam’s mention would bring, especially after Freddie said he hoped she was OK. As viewers tuned into the scene, many flocked to social media to react in tears. Keep scrolling to see what fans had to say.
Aw the explanation for Sam, God I miss her. Not what I was expecting but that’s pretty on brand for her. She’s happy tho! #iCarly pic.twitter.com/On0mWEfjRc
— 🍒 (@dansensolsens) June 17, 2021
“I’m sorry but this is LITERALLY the perfect explanation ( show lore ) and she’s following her dreams,” one fan wrote in response to the scene. “As if she would babysit for 10 years.”
when carly said “i need sam” my heart broke just a little 🥲 #iCarly
— jules 🤍 (@julessrose) June 17, 2021
“Freddie: ‘you dont need a partner to do that’ Carly: ‘i dont need a partner, i need Sam,’” one fan quoted the scene, adding, “…AND IM CRYING.”
when carly said she would love to have sam with her so they could do #iCarly together again it’s when it broke me pic.twitter.com/9EbGI0y2ae
— ed’ | icarly spoilers (@aprilsdust) June 17, 2021
“It’ll never be the same without Sam. But I’m so happy and proud of Jennette and that’s all that’s right,” tweeted another viewer.
AWHH CARLY MENTIONING SAM #ICARLY pic.twitter.com/FR0XTDorDr
— Sydd💜 (@_squidnyy_) June 17, 2021
“Aw he way they mentioned sam i think is a good tribute to her and gave me closure as well about her well being, her being in a bike gang is definitely on brand,” shared somebody else.
i miss sam and gibby i’m gonna have a fucking breakdown #ICarly pic.twitter.com/oumOJleyK0
— liz | ICARLY SPOILERS (@lakeandlucy) June 17, 2021
“Now we need a Sons of Anarchy sequel series where it’s just Sam Puckett beating up the entire main cast by herself,” joked one viewer.
freddie about sam: hope she’s okay
— seddie stan // icarly spoilers (@samsfreddies) June 17, 2021
🥺❤️
“After watching the New [iCarly] on [Paramount+] it’s pretty cool with a New story line that a lot of us in our 20s and 30s can relate to today,” tweeted another person. “But boy do I miss [Jennette McCurdy] it’s just not the same without the character Sam.”
Carly said “Sam” only two minutes in- #iCarly pic.twitter.com/9rHxtJFq6S
— Mel (@melbrown00) June 17, 2021
The first three episodes of the iCarly reboot are now available for streaming on Paramount+. You can sign up for a free trial by clicking here. New episodes of the show will drop weekly on Thursdays.
