(Credit: Netflix)

As much fun as it is to revisit retro comedies from the 1980s, what feels even better is a modern version, set in a retro background. If you are in the mood for a sharp and stylish comedy that captures the spirit of the 1980s, White Gold on Netflix is your show. However, this time you might need to rush as the show is leaving the platform soon.

Set in mid-80s Essex, White Gold is a British sitcom that offers a satirical glimpse into the world of double-glazing salesmen. It effortlessly blends deadpan humour with a critique of consumer culture for a classic British touch. The creator, Damon Beesley, is best known as the co-creator of the 2008 coming-of-age comedy show, The Inbetweeners.

This series features Ed Westwick as Vincent Swan, the charismatic and unscrupulous head of sales at Cachet Windows. Alongside him are familiar faces from The Inbetweeners, such as James Buckley and Joe Thomas, portraying equally dubious salesman Brian Fitzpatrick and Martin Lavender, respectively. What makes the show an absolute banger is the electric dynamic shared by the trio. Apart from them, it also stars Linzey Cocker as Sam Swan and Lauren O’Rourke as Carol.

Another factor that makes the series stand out is its unique storytelling approach. Alongside delivering rapid-fire banter and morally questionable antics to keep viewers engaged, Vincent frequently breaks the fourth wall with his witty asides and insights into his manipulative strategies. This narrative device, combined with a vibrant ’80s soundtrack and period-accurate aesthetics, immerses the audience in the era’s excesses and ethical ambiguities.

White Gold differs from many conventional formula comedies because it does not shy away from showing the darker aspects of the characters’ pursuits. The salesmen in the show often resort to dubious decisions due to their relentless drive for success, which perfectly highlights the cutthroat nature of the sales industry. However, the smart writers have effortlessly mixed humour and charm into all sides of the sales business, ensuring viewers remain entertained while reflecting on the characters’ choices.

The show was often praised by the critics for its clever writing and engaging performances, as well as its ability to satirise the materialistic culture of the ’80s, while delivering laugh-out-loud moments, earning it a cult fanbase. However, others have noted that the humour is not everyone’s cup of tea and might not resonate with all audiences, especially those unfamiliar with British humour.

Released in 2017, the show consists of two seasons with six episodes each, making it an easy binge-watch. Sadly, it was not renewed for a third season, and speculation is rife that, due to a very particular fanbase, it might be removed from Netflix.

It is no surprise to Netflix’s viewers that their favourite OTT keeps rotating its huge and ever-expanding catalogue of films and shows. Hence, this Netflix Original is packing its bags, ready to leave the platform on May 22nd. So if British comedies get you in the funny bone and somehow this one slipped your radar, don’t miss it this time. And if you are an existing fan, now is the perfect time to relive the experience of watching this witty and incisive series one last time.