Outnumbered (BBC1, also tonight and tomorrow, 10.35pm, and Mon/Tues/Wed next week) is a low-key comedy looking at middle-class parenting. We know it's low-key because there's no theme tune (classy, you see). There are many clues when it comes to the middle-class thing: much of the action takes place in a spacious kitchen/diner, they talk about missing the walking bus, and the phone not being in its cradle becomes a major issue.
Unlike, say My Family, though, this show's middle-class-ness is integral; Outnumbered wants to explore the anxieties -and often absurdities - of middle-class parenting. Are they under-parenting, or over-parenting? Is it really Bring Your Granny To Work Day? Should I bribe my kid to get into the car?
Sue (Claire Skinner) and Pete (Hugh Dennis) play the parents who over-think every single decision, and as such, get a lot of them wrong. But then, two of their three kids aren't exactly the easiest to parent.
Jake is the oldest and very much the wisest (probably of the whole family, mum and dad included). He's the ultimate 21st century early teen: tech savvy, smart, lazy, perceptive and cheeky. In a well-appointed town-house devoid of order, he is an ocean of calm... well, slightly grumpy calm. If only his younger siblings got those genes. Middle child Ben is an absolute nightmare who lies at every possible opportunity, and decides that a cordless drill is a suitable subject for Show And Tell, which, he lies, has been changed to today.
And then there's the youngest, little Karen, who is just a little too good at picking up on other people's conversations, and who likes to ask questions about absolutely everything. Karen is played by Ramona Marquez and you just have to see her. Marquez provided pretty much every single laugh last night - I don't know whether she was closely following a script, or improvising along with the rest of the cast but either way she is still a tiny genius.
As her mum combed the nits out of her hair, she asked whether she could keep one as a pet. Then whether she could keep it in her hair so it could start a Nit Town. When that was shot down, she moved onto other animals. "Could I have a giraffe? (No, a giraffe's a bit big) Could I have... a lion? (No, that might be a bit dangerous) Could I have.............. a puffin?" The reaction on Skinner's face suggests that Marquez came up with this on her own. See what I mean? Genius.
Overall, this might not be a masterpiece, but there were some great lines along the way, as we would expect from the writers of Drop The Dead Donkey, and the performances are all pleasingly natural and believable - possibly Skinner aside, who I found rather annoying. But please, you have to watch Outnumbered just to see this kid Ramona Marquez. She's a star.
My review of the series as a whole can now be found here.
[annawaits]
I saw a clip featuring the small one and Hugh Dennis which looked improvised to me... and as a result looked hilarious. Catching a snippet of it last night made me think (like you) that the rest wasn't up to that standard, but I'd like to see that child in action now!
mof
Yes, definitely worth sitting through the average stuff for all of her scenes!
It is not often a childs performance leaves me open mouthed with amazement but Ramona Marquez is quite astonishing. Previously I'd only ever seen American child actors approaching anything like a natural performance (witness Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert whatsisname in early Harry Potter movies - dreadful) but whatever they said to that little girl..(how old is she - she can't be more than 4?)..has coaxed magic out of her. It's worth watching solely to see her.
The mum is a bit irritating - surely she would be less annoyed with son Ben for lying that he'd eaten his dinner, than for hiding the offending greasy burger under a plush cushion. I'd have killed him. He wouldn't have got a biscuit in my house - but then I am a real mum and not a sit-com stereotypical character I suppose.
My son played the oldest son in this sit com and being a proud Mum and being slightly pedantic here, his character name is Jake - not Ben!
I noticed that mistake Linzi and I would definately have corrected it too. Your lad is also excellent. Tell him he's a star!
wonderful brilliant absolutely loved the kids the little girl is a miracle of charm...but was she acting one got the impresion she was just being herself ....the nit scene was brilliant
Love the show. Have met this family (and subsequently avoided them as much as possible) and there is very little exaggeration in the storylines. The child actors are all very believable, and Hugh Dennis has my sympathy for having to cope with his awful wife who WOULD react as she did over the hidden meal - I know because I have seen her, in supermarkets, on holidays and in public transport.
Brilliant, brilliant show, stumbled on this the other night, as a young dad I can totally relate to this, the nit scene was pure gold, Ramona Marquez is so cute and an absolute gem - its worth the watch for her alone, the key search by mum was v funny too, adults were excellent as was oldest child, middle child needs to relax a bit but still quite good, I watched it last night too - though not as funny as the first I'm now hooked, best BBC sitcom for years and its been a while! thankyou - I'm spreading the word.
We love this show. The little girl is just adorable! It is on too late. During the last week of the summer hols we have all watched it but next week school starts and it is too late for my 12 year old who thinks it is the funniest thing ever!!
I love it - I too stumbled across this the other night and I have to say that I am soo glad I did. I think all the kids are wonderful but I love Ramona and can't wait for her scenes. More please!
Can somebody please post some on youtube. I have missed episodes 2 and 3 and i think it is brilliant
This show is great, I've been telling everyone to watch it. The way the children's world affects the parent's world and vice versa is superbly observed. If you liked The Office, you'll love this as there's a similar feel to the humour. What are the BBC trying to do with the scheduling though? Sheer madness!
My apologies, Linzi! Your son, is indeed very talented. All of the children are. I'll go change it straight away :) I'm really glad that this show has found an audience, it's not perfect, but it's really interesting and makes me laugh out loud every night.
Really good programme. Have always liked Hugh and have to agree with all the comments so far.
I have to say, the kids are just superb - I`ve never seen kids "act" yet do it so naturally, in particular the little girl is utterly brilliant, so much so it is almost like she`s just told to say what she wants and does! The other two boys aren`t far behind - they`ve even got the fine detail right like the two younger ones wearing school polo shirts and the older lad a proper white school shirt (sleeves rolled up of course) and loosened tie!
The whole family has watched all three episodes. We really loved the bin basket fight between Ben and Deion. We think the child who played Deion is so adorable. Hope to see him in more episodes.
that new little girl with karen (Ramona Marquez) looks really cheeky in the previews
Jo and Ann Onymous (!) are absolutely right - the supporting children have been fabulous too.
Am enjoying this at the moment...at the start I thought it was going to be slightly boring with some hilarious lines making up for it but I'm enjoying all parts of the episodes now. Although he hasn't got the biggest part, Jake is making the show for me at the moment- just playing the part perfectly and I'm loving his relationship with his Dad, the conversations really remind me of how I get on with my Dad. Am considering being a teacher and it may sound ridiculous but just seeing these episodes are making me realise I really would like to interact with kids like Jake as part of my job. If your reading this Linzi, thank Tyger for me (awesome name as well!)
Fantastic programme. The kids are wonderful.
I watch it every night then again next evening on Virgin Media so my 84 year old mum can watch, she loves it.
Are they really acting? It's so much like a real family, just like my nieces kids actually.
Have only caught this week's episodes and wished I'd noticed it from the start. Brilliant. Not long ago I was lamenting (with my family) that British sitcoms can't/don't do naturalistic family "banter". This fills that gap. The child actors are amazing.
I also stumbled across this very entertaining sit com. and wish I had seen it from the begining. I have never seen such brilliant performances by such young children. Ramona Marquez (Karen) is outstanding. This is such a refreshing change from hospital/police/patholgy dramas. Most watchable Tv since The Royle Family.
Great, great programme. The entire cast is perfectly balanced and little Ramona simply steals every scene she is in. You can even see the adult actors stifling real giggles. She innocently manages to create laughther out of serious situations and questions.
Just brilliant!
Why on earth did they only make 6?
Ramona Marquez is gonna be huge! Mark my word!
Absolutely brilliant programme, any news if they are going to make any more?!!!
This show is brilliant, have enjoyed it very much the charactor Karen is so natural is she acting or just being herself and the rest of the family is great to watch, how do you cope with a child like Ben and Jake is such a lovely charactor. I hope they bring it back soon.
ARE THEY GOING TO MAKE A SECOND SERIES AND WILL IT BE OUT ON DVD SOON?...
Calm down dears! Haha, I don't know whether there'll be more just yet, or whether it'll be out on DVD (I would imagine yes, and soon) but I'll be sure to put the news up on TVScoop as soon as I hear anything.
Thanks so much for all the comments!
Have almost given up watching mind-numbing drivel which passes for television so only just managed to catch this - absolutely fantastic! Loved every episode. Why the insane programme time? People work, people parent so need their sleep - but they would SO enjoy this. (By the way, have just retired from teaching - schools are EXACTLY like this). Those children are STARS of the future. PLEASE make another series - and re-schedule the timing.
You're right, Jax - my dad's also a teacher and absolutely everything to do with education in this show was spot on.
Best thing on TV for ages, but as lots of people have said, why did the BBC show it so late and on consecutive nights? Several people I know missed episodes as they assumed it was being scheduled as a weekly programme. I wonder if the BBC didn't quite have enough faith in it - if so, then they were mistaken as both the writing and the acting/improvising were excellent - we're bereft now that it's finished.
Fantastic! Best comedy I have seen for years, all the actors were superb. More please, soon!
I thought this show was absolutely fabulous. The kids acting was formidable. A bit of a shame about the time slot though, perhaps would have been better at about 8.30pm or 9.00pm on a friday night. Hope theres a second series soon. Well done BBC!
Outnumbered was absolutely fabulous. Loved every episode and the kids acting was formidable. I think the time slot was a bad decision and would have been better at 8.30pm or 9.00pm on a friday night. Hope theres a second series very very soon. Well done BBC!!!!!!!!
A wonderful, wonderful show. Well done BBC and everyone involved, particularly the children. But as someone else asked, why on earth was it on so late? It's shows like this that make up for the interminable drivel that seems to pervade most of TV nowadays - Big Brother and all the other dire reality TV rubbish. One gets the impression that most of what's on nowadays is to pander to the lowest common denominator. Standards have dropped so much, the expectation being that we should lower ours to suit, when in fact the TV companies should be raising theirs. Anyway, rant over. I hope 'Outnumbered' gets the early repeat it so much deserves. I'd even watch it on BBC3!
I missed all the previous ephisodes but managed to watch the last three. Its the best programme that has been on in a long time. I havn't last so much since Benidorm.
Is this programme going to be reshown. And will it be out to buy on DVD.
I loved all the three children, havn't seen such good acting in a long time, an the father reminded me of Jack Dee in Lead Balloon
Only saw a couple of episodes but love it........when can I get the DVD ???
loved every episode the kids were so natural whens the next series or repeats I could watch it again thats more than I can say about a lot on tv. please can we have some more
I absolutely LOVED Outnumbered, it is brilliant, and all the actors are incredible, what an amazing cast, and those children, where on earth did you findthem all, such amazing talent. Is there s DVD available and PLEASE may we have alot more of Outnumbered with the same cast.
Outbnumbered is totally BRILLIANT. An amazing cast, where on earth did you find the children, they are pure magic, and what a lovely change to have real comedy, not lavatory humour in a sitcom.Is there a DVD available? Please let us have lots more of Outnumbered. Congratulations. Rosie.
I throughly enjoyed this series, i thought the little girl Ramona marquez is a brilliant actress.
I found the things she came out with on the programme so funny particularly when she said to her dad " do u believe in god".
I hope there is a second series coming.
loved this comedy,the kids are great - and Karen has had me laughing out loud - not often a comedy sitcom does this! well done bbc - lets have more of
this family - a gem -
GLORY FOR SPARTA!!!!!!!!!!1
i loved this series so much and so did all my family my older brother even came off the computer to watch it and thats not lyk him at all :-) . If another series or DVD doesnt come out i will cry(litterally).
Can anyone tell me if there is going to be another series, i loved this so soooo much!!! After reading the comments above I was surprised to find less people praising my favourite characters: Ben and Pete. I think Hugh Dennis has made the show amazing as well as the actor for ben. If you like the character Hugh D. plays, watch "Mock The Week", on BBC 2 (i think) at 9:00 on thursday... AMAZING as well as incredably funny, every week I cry with laughter without fail... anyway! what i was going to say before that tangent was, Does anybody know if there is going 2 be another series, and if so, when. I gave it a quick Google but to no avail.
What more can I add! Ramona was divine. We just fell in love with her, especially when she drew the cows getting their own back on people. Well done little Karen. Any chance of a quick repeat so that all those we have told about it can understand what we were talking about.
Please REPEAT this prog ASAP fantastic!
Like most people I also stumbled on this programme and think it's the best thing on the box...put a serial link on my recording facility but seems its over all ready! Loved the natural performances, which I presume is down to some improvisation? Whatever it is, it works. WHEN WILL IT BE BACK???
wonderful show all the characters were brilliant stayed up every time to watch more of this one please excellent ....
I stumbled across this programe, and had to call my husband in to watch the key bit, (sadly losing my keys is something the family puts up with nearly every morning!) Our kids then joined us and we were all hooked! My 14 year old was also pulled away from the computer. It was so wonderful to get a programe that we could all watch and enjoy so much. All there Characters were amazing you could identify with them all. I have been raving about this to everyone, so I hope they repeat it and make another series, please please please!
This is without doubt the best television program I have sene in years. For the love of God make a second series!
Fantastic show those kids are unbelievably good. Please let me know if there is going to be some more episodes and could they put it on earlier
What a fantastic, natural show. Please, please ,please let there be another series. We all looked forward to the weekely instalments so much. I don't know how the directors got the children to act like children. We've all met them at one time or another, especially if ,like myself, you have taught primary age kids.
We all loved "Outnumbered" what a pleasant surprise to have such a brilliant programme, and it was funny as well, a rareity these days.
Lets hope there is another series, and that the first series is out on dvd very soon.
Thank you, Pam Hulme
I think all the adjectives have been used. What an absolutely fantastic comedy. I too, stumbled across it when I was channel hopping and was about to switch off to retire to bed when I started watching it. FABULOUS. Those kids are natural, it was like it was unscripted. I have spoken to lots of people who knew nothing about it, no doubt as it was on so late at night. BBC please repeat it soon and hope you are working on a second series. But this time can it be on at a more reasonable time. I couldn't see why it was on so late, it certainly didn't need to be after the water shed. Lovely innocent true to life series.
Is there going to be a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh series? I love it. pleeeeeeeeease! :-)
I thought Outnumbered was one of the best British comedies i have ever seen. I've never posted anything online about anything before but feel compelled to do this to add to the pressure on the BBC to produce more and more series and a DVD for Christmas! Please please please! Karen was the one who stole the show for me but all the cast, including the adults were just brilliant. Very very good stuff! Nice one!
Like so many of the comments before, I too just happened to stumble across this - and it is absolutely brilliant!!!. Some of the sketches in it are so true to life - and so funny. Like when the dad is finding a story to read to Karen - and he's trying to find the shortest one Also when she is going to leave home - laugh out loud funny. I've missed a few though, anyone know when it will be repeated?
i think this is great only saw some of them but wen is it on again?
This must be on DVD immedietly!!who's in charge at the BBC???
Just want to add to clamour for a repeat/new series/DVD. My oldest child missed it but my teenagers loved it almost as much as I did. The children, scripted or unscripted, made this series although I thought the adults interacted brilliantly with them. MORE - before they (the kids) get any older - or spoilt!!
I was gutted that I couldn't buy this DVD for people for Christmas! I have never wanted to share a TV experience as much as I have this one. I wish someone from the BBC would explain the scheduling but, more than that, I wish they would respond to people's wishes for the DVD release...soon! I missed the episode where the middle son (a young Alan Davies?)shouts "Stranger! Stranger!" in the supermarket and just the thought of it makes me laugh.