This BBC sitcom, about a lazy underclass Mancunian family (and their friends and neighbours), is better than it sounds. Almost all of it takes place in the family's house. It's very well-written and well- acted - and the interactions between the characters are often hilarious.

An hour long treat just aired on BBC One and what a wonderful episode it was -an other one. Shameless as always, the full cast are at their best -now with Nana as the center of attention as she and her bed moved into the living room.A beautiful, stunning scene between Sue Johnston (Barbara Royle) and Liz Smith (her Mum) with a good long shot at the end of that scene, just watching the two together whilst music from the radio is playing. The clever writing (including Caroline Aherne) and brilliant performances of the cast made this an extraordinary episode where -in spite of the 'lack' of manners or good behaviour, this is a strong, loving family. And that's where it's all about -in my opinion. The serious scenes are seamlessly followed by the hilarious ones as indeed life itself can be -at least if you're open to that kind of absurdity.I don't wish to write any spoilers, although I did write it on top of my comment but to be on the safe side I just leave it there to be.Just Beautiful.Pieter

The Royle family is one of the best Sit Com's ever made. It is so well observed and accurate that it's almost uncomfortable. The humour doesn't consist of set up one liners or embarrassing situations but of the humour the characters use to interact with each other and deal with the boring lack of events in their lives. Many people seem to miss the subtlety in this show because nothing ever seems to happen but that's exactly what real life is like. What really makes the Royle Family a truly great show though is the depth that we find in the characters. In Only Fools and Horses Del Boy is known for dodgy business deals but the real strength of the character is that there is so much more to him. In a similar way Jim Royle appears at first to be a simple one dimensional caricature but is a man with a deep love for his family. All the characters become more and more real the more the show is watched. This isn't just a superb comedy but in common with all the great sit Com's is also a great and honest drama.

Jim Royle is a "hard working" father who tries to look after his wild family.I'll rephrase all of that: Jim Royle is a lazy old man who sits in a chair all day long watching television, and the other members of the family are just as bad. The son (Anthony) does all their work for them. I love this TV series, I find it very amusing and always tune in on Monday nights! You HAVE to watch this!8/10