In 23 Jump Street: Generational Gap, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are back—and this time, the stakes are higher, and the laughs come faster than ever. The duo, once the shining stars of undercover high school operations, now face a brand new, much more complex world of internet culture, high-tech trends, and influencers. As they go undercover to investigate a global influencer summit, Schmidt and Jenko must navigate a world that’s vastly different from the gritty, low-tech operations they once knew.

Jenko’s usual “himbo” energy is in full force as he unwittingly stumbles upon a multi-billion-dollar synthetic steroid ring at the heart of the influencer world. While Schmidt tries his best to catch up with the latest dance trends and TikTok slang, Jenko continues to showcase his distinct brand of physical comedy, misunderstanding everything from viral challenges to modern fashion. The duo quickly finds themselves in over their heads, trying to outwit a new generation that speaks an entirely different language—literally and figuratively.
Meanwhile, Schmidt’s neurotic attempts to fit in with the younger, tech-savvy crowd leads to some hilarious, cringe-worthy moments as he contemplates the effect that modern technology has on his rapidly aging body. From Google searches gone wrong to a full-on meltdown over being called a “boomer,” Schmidt struggles to keep his cool in a world that moves too fast for his liking.

Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) returns with his trademark scowl and sarcastic one-liners, but this time, he’s dealing with an even bigger headache than before. The police department has implemented mandatory “mental health days,” and Dickson—an old-school, no-nonsense cop—finds himself forced to adapt to a workplace that prioritizes “feelings” over action. His frustration with the changing dynamics of law enforcement provides some of the film’s funniest and most relatable moments.
As the investigation heats up, Schmidt and Jenko are forced to reconcile their aging bodies with their youthful spirits. The pressures of being caught between two generations—where they are too old for the new trends but too young to be considered “elders”—lead to a series of hilarious mishaps and escalating tension between the two. Their usual banter is heightened by the clash of old-school cool versus the hyper-aware, politically correct culture of Gen Z.
The narrative’s comedic exploration of cancel culture adds another layer of humor as Schmidt tries (and fails) to navigate a labyrinth of “woke” terms, trying to keep up with an ever-changing social landscape. From being accused of microaggressions to accidentally offending a whole group of influencers, Schmidt’s struggle to adapt to the language of the younger generation is both cringeworthy and hilarious.

With explosions, car chases, and high-octane action sequences, 23 Jump Street: Generational Gap combines over-the-top thrills with the series’ signature humor. Jenko and Schmidt’s friendship, though tested by time and technological progress, proves as solid as ever, showing that no matter the generation, their bond remains unbreakable.
The film doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the aging process, highlighting how the duo’s physical limitations—especially Schmidt’s knee problems—become as much a part of the story as their hilarious antics. In one memorable sequence, Schmidt and Jenko chase down the bad guys while trying to outrun their own bodies, leading to an absurdly funny scene involving a cramp, an orthopedic knee brace, and a very inconvenient dance-off.
As the mystery deepens and the stakes get higher, the two realize that in order to bring down the synthetic steroid ring, they’ll have to learn the rules of the new game—and fast. Their efforts culminate in a showdown where social media influencers, dangerous criminals, and their personal issues all collide in an epic finale.

In the end, 23 Jump Street: Generational Gap proves that no matter how much the world changes, Schmidt and Jenko’s friendship, humor, and knack for getting into trouble will always remain timeless. The film’s self-awareness, nostalgic callbacks, and sharp wit offer a hilarious take on growing up and finding your place in an ever-changing world.