Blue Mountain State is Back! 

Fans of Blue Mountain State have long hoped for another season of the comedy series since it ended in 2011. Well, it looks like they're getting their wish. BMS star Alan Ritchson confirmed in an interview at the Daytona 500 that Blue Mountain State is returning for a fourth season, this time on Prime Video.

There have been rumours about its comeback over the years due to cast reunions and fan initiatives, like the 2016 movie Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland. However, both college sports and TV have changed since the show’s first run. When the series returns, it will have to adjust to the changing landscape of NCAA regulations, the influence of the media, and the continuously shifting environment.

When Blue Mountain State returns after its long absence, both the screen and the world of college football will need dramatic evolution. How will the show adjust to the landscape of NIL (name, image, and likeness) rules and the impact of media trends on sports culture and society overall? Given how much has changed regarding norms and discussions surrounding humour and political correctness over the years, would a series known for its comedy and edgy content still resonate with audiences in today’s more diverse and sensitive climate?

“Backup QB is the best position in sports. Fact: I get drunk all the time. I don't have to show up to class; and it's just like being a real QB but without all the pain.” - Alex Moran

Blue Mountain State first aired on Spike TV between 2010 and 2011. It showcased the mischief of a fictional university football team called the Mountain Goats. The show quickly gained a fan following due to its humour and extravagant party sequences that exaggerated elements of college life. Characters such as Alex Moran (Darin Brooks), Sammy Cacciatore (Chris Romano ), and the memorable Thad Castle (Alan Ritchson) made Blue Mountain State a tribute to the quirks of college sports culture.

The show was popular in the past because it was set before social media took over our lives. It made fun of aspects of college sports, such as hazing, booster involvement, and over-the-top coaching strategies. However, college athletics have changed significantly since the BMS era. In 2021, the introduction of NIL rules allowed student-athletes to earn money from their name and likeness by signing endorsement deals and promoting brands while playing for their university football teams.

When Blue Mountain State makes its comeback, NIL rules could be a central storyline, bringing a mix of humour and tension. Alex Moran’s character evolves from a second-string quarterback who prioritizes partying to someone contemplating opportunities in professional sports. Would he compromise his values for the sake of money? If Thad Castle were still in the picture, would he start his own business with his line of protein shakes? Perhaps he might explore reality television fame. Let’s not forget about the team’s kicker, Harmon Tedesco (James Cade). Could he potentially become a sensation on TikTok and gain popularity beyond his role on the football field?

NIL also raises the idea of "individualism versus teamwork," which could be explored in a BMS plotline. With players having the potential to earn large amounts of money, one might wonder if there could be tensions within the team dynamic—like whether a backup running back with a lucrative sponsorship deal would still be expected to handle the team’s gear duties. The humour opportunities that arise from this scenario seem to be boundless.

In the world of NIL Madness, players deal with endorsement deals and disagreements over sponsorship money while also venturing into creating their own brands. The team may get sponsorship from a quirky company that players wouldn’t want to endorse, creating more drama.

One of the concerns regarding the comeback of Blue Mountain State is whether its humour would resonate well in today’s political atmosphere. The series never aimed to be politically correct. It excelled in challenging norms, poking fun at figures of authority and embracing a brand of comedy that might now be viewed as controversial.

“I never stick my finger up nobody's ass but my own...and a flight attendant once, but that was because of turbulence.” - Radon Randell

Can Blue Mountain State address these concerns without losing its sense of humour? One strategy involves explicitly incorporating satire into the content. By relying on shock value for entertainment purposes, the series could adopt a clever approach, like the comedic styles of South Park or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This could involve amplifying present-day challenges in a way that satirizes all parties involved equally.

In 2010, social media didn't have the impact it does today. Twitter was just starting out, and Instagram wasn't even around yet. College athletes weren't always in the spotlight like they are now, and viral moments were much less common back then.

Nowadays, in the world of college sports, every athlete represents their brand identity, and any misstep they make could grab headlines by storm. If Thad Castle were here today and still kicking around, he'd likely be an Instagram sensation in the fitness realm—sharing over-the-top workout routines and inspiring quotes while endorsing brands on the side.

Social networking platforms could also shape the storyline by disrupting the teams’ interactions and relationships with each other. Athletes might become entangled in conflicts, misinterpret posts from their coach, or receive recruitment offers through private messages. The potential outcomes are endless.

When Blue Mountain State is revived, it will have to balance its humour and contemporary themes to stay current and engaging for viewers in a new season 4 scenario.

“This is special teams. We like to play hard, we like to party hard. We also like to triple team chicks, that's European style. Don't worry, our dicks will never touch.” - Harmon Tedesco

Reviving Blue Mountain State in a world vastly different from its original setting is entirely possible with the right approach. By embracing the absurdity of college sports culture, infusing it with satire, and adjusting its humour to fit the present-day context, BMS could become a sophisticated and witty rendition of its former self.

It is crucial to find the balance between honouring the past and embracing ideas. Blue Mountain State must maintain the wild sense of entertainment that endeared fans to the show while recognizing the evolving landscape of today’s world. If executed correctly, Blue Mountain State could reassert itself as the boldest series centred around college football to date.