Top Boy creator Ronan Bennett has said Channel 4’s cancellation of the Hackney crime drama “felt like a slap in the face to the community it was representing”.
The series, starring Ashley Walters and Kano, originally ran for two series between 2011 and 2013. Six year later, it has been revived by Netflix and Drake.
Speaking at the season three premiere in Hackney, Bennett said: “I’m not bashing Channel 4 by any means, shows come and go, but when I was arguing with them and persuading them not to cancel the show, I said, ‘Why would you do this?’
“It felt like a slap in the face to the community it was representing. No answer came back to that, I didn’t understand it.”
He added: “We show a community that just doesn’t get shown on television, where people see their lives represented on screen.”
Top Boy's first two seasons were praised for their authenticity and accurate reflection of life on a Hackney estate.
The third series is executive produced by Drake and his business partner Adel “Future” Nur, along with Maverick Carter and Jamal Henderson for SpringHill Entertainment.
In the new episodes, Walters reprises his role as drug dealer Dushane alongside Kane “Kano” Robinson as his “spiritual brother” Sully. Newcomer Micheal Ward also joins the cast as ruthless young gang leader Jamie.
Top Boy season three is released on Netflix on 13 September.
