As a parent, I see bits of the raising of my own children - and now my grandchildren! - in this terrific show. The fact it's partly improvised, lend heaps of cred to this great comedy. As an Aussie, I've always loved British comedy; they're the best at it, and this one is right up there with the cream of the crop!

And all the fuss about this show is about what? Because all I saw is a weak comedy that boasted good performances from those involved in the first few years and then went far beyond it's natural run to become the occasional show that pops up now and again only to prove that it was a far better one when the kids were young and cute.I know the BBC aren't exactly blessed with many comedy options that don't involve Mrs Brown or Citizen Khan, but this show is weak and not worthy of being heralded every time the cast 'reunite' to do a Christmas special.I don't get the hype, sorry.

This DREADFUL mish-mash of poor acting and ridiculous situations could ONLY be useful as an instructional video on how to be a terrible parent. Are there REALLY parents out there that permit their 5 year old to play soccer in the house or contemplate whether or not to allow their 6 year old to take a cordless drill equipped with a 10 inch wood bit to school? BTW...They finally veto the idea not based on the reality that he might injure someone else or himself.....destroy property or that it might actually be illegal BUT because it isn't show and tell day.....that's on a Friday not a Tuesday. But by Friday he might have changed his mind and wants to bring a running chain saw.....stay tuned for the answer! How ANYONE with a functioning brain could find this even remotely amusing is completely beyond me but the high ratings absolutely astound me....perhaps it's not so much a generation gap issue as a cultural one.....in Canada this would not have made the cut for a late night documentary on poor child rearing. God help us if this is what Brits think is entertainment

If showing a couple of incompetent parents and a trio of gifted, totally out-of-control kids is comedy, then a Mensa reform school would be a riot. I will acknowledge the children are good actors, but ask yourself what you would do if these bright little menaces were in your face 24/7. I suggest the last thing we need is another example of an emasculated excuse for a father trying to prove he's in some way more intelligent than his offspring. The children show no responsibility, little consideration for other than themselves and a total disregard for any authority. In other words, the perfect example of miniature Rupert Murdochs. I'm writing this whilst getting away from the program until New Tricks comes on.