Outnumbered (Series One)
Chances are, if a couple has more than two children, they become outnumbered. Despite the best efforts of the parents, the house descends into inevitable chaos.
So why would you want to watch a television series which is, essentially, about this very thing?
The truth is, this series is very, very funny. It features Hugh Davis and Claire Skinner in the parental roles as Pete and Sue, but the stars of the show are definitely the children: Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey), Ben (Daniel Roche) and Karen (Ramona Marquez).
Jake, sarcastic and sagacious, and on the eve of starting secondary school, is in some respects, the voice of reason in the family. Ben is a mop-haired, hyper-active hooligan, while the youngest of the three, Karen, has perhaps some of the best lines of the show (which is interesting, given that many of her scenes are semi-improvised).
The strength of the show is its natural feel: missing car keys, misappropriating blame, and all manner of diurnal disturbances fill each episode (indeed, the first episode revolves around trying to get the children to school). Yet it's the humorous lines that really win the audience over, especially those uttered by Karen, in her straightforward, child-like black-and-white manner. There's a brilliant scene in which she asks her father if he believes in God. Naturally, he is trying to explain a complex concept, but is repeatedly interrupted by little Karen, with furrowed brow, who insists on a "proper answer" (ie, yes or no). Oh, for life to be that simple!
Outnumbered also features Sue's sister, and their father, who is in the early stages of dementia. Sue has to contend with an unreasonably demanding boss, while Pete faces allegations of misconduct at school.
These scenarios ground the series in reality, but don't dominate the show. Nevertheless, as the series progresses, you may discover that you have developed quite an affection for these folks: perhaps it's the ability to relate to them, or even the relief of not being them!