Watch Young Drunk Punk

Young Drunk Punk is a Canadian comedy television series that aired on City TV in 2015. Created by Bruce McCulloch, the show is set in Calgary in the 1980s and follows the misadventures of two young punks, Ian McKay (Tim Carlson) and Shinky (Atticus Mitchell), as they navigate the eccentricities of youth, along with the pressures of conformity and adulthood.

The series is loosely based on Bruce McCulloch's own life experiences as a young punk in Calgary, and features many autobiographical elements. McCulloch himself appears in the show as Ian's father, and his former bandmates from The Kids In The Hall also make guest appearances throughout the series.

Ian and Shinky are best friends and punks, but they are also trying to figure out their place in the world. Ian works at the Bottle Depot with his mother, Helen (Tracy Ryan), where he is teased by his co-workers and struggles to find direction in his life. Meanwhile, Shinky is a self-styled punk philosopher who lives with his parents and spends his days debating existentialism and other big ideas.

As Ian and Shinky try to navigate their way through life, they come into contact with a range of eccentric characters, including a religious cult, a group of aging rockers, and a self-help guru. Each encounter forces the boys to confront their own beliefs and values, and leads to hilarious and sometimes surreal adventures.

Along the way, Ian also starts dating a girl named Belinda (Allie MacDonald), who is more mainstream than he is, but who nevertheless shares his love of music and his rebellious spirit. The relationship between Ian and Belinda is a major focus of the show, and provides a sweet counterpoint to the raucous humour of the rest of the series.

Young Drunk Punk has been praised for its nostalgic portrayal of the 1980s, and for its humour and heart. The show deals with serious topics such as mental health and addiction, but always with a light touch that never borders on preachy. Instead, the series celebrates the freedom and creativity of youth, while acknowledging the challenges and absurdities of growing up.

The performances from the cast are exceptional, with Tim Carlson and Atticus Mitchell delivering standout performances as the two main characters. Carlson brings a depth and emotional vulnerability to Ian that is both endearing and relatable, while Mitchell imbues Shinky with a larger-than-life personality that commands attention in every scene.

Tracy Ryan is also excellent as Ian's mother Helen, bringing a warmth and compassion to the character that makes her the heart of the show. Meanwhile, Allie MacDonald is perfectly cast as Belinda, providing a strong foil to Ian's punk ethos with her own brand of practicality and intelligence.

Overall, Young Drunk Punk is a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the 1980s punk scene, and to the challenges and joys of growing up. With its strong performances, witty writing, and empathetic storytelling, the show is a must-watch for anyone who remembers the 80s, or who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.