The article examines the new Disney+ series Alice and Steve, starring Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement and created by Sophie Goodhart.The programme centres on the long-standing friendship between Alice and Steve, two former partners who have remained exceptionally close for decades.

Their relationship is shattered when Steve begins a romantic relationship with Alice’s 26-year-old daughter, Izzy, creating a profound sense of betrayal and triggering an intense conflict between the two friends.

Walker explains that Alice’s furious reaction felt entirely justified from the character’s perspective, describing the emotional devastation caused by the breach of trust.Clement, meanwhile, argues that the central issue is not the age difference between Steve and Izzy but rather the violation of a deep friendship.

Goodhart also emphasises that the story is less concerned with age-gap romance and more focused on the explosive consequences of actions that disrupt established relationships.The interview explores the show's blend of comedy and drama, with Clement highlighting the uniquely British use of embarrassment as humour.The series also addresses themes including marriage, friendship, parenthood, generational differences, drug use and personal responsibility.According to Goodhart, the programme seeks to examine love in its many forms rather than present a conventional romantic narrative.

As the conflict escalates, Alice attempts to damage Steve’s personal and professional life, creating situations that are both painful and darkly comic.

The creators describe the series as an exploration of how far people will go when relationships break down and whether friendships can survive profound betrayals.Alice and Steve premieres on Disney+ on 8 June.