In the vast landscape of television, comfort often comes in predictable packages, but the British sitcom, “The Royle Family,” subverts expectations and offers a uniquely comforting, yet challenging viewing experience. As part of Variety’s celebration of the 100 Greatest Television Shows of All Time, Bob Odenkirk, the star of “Better Call Saul,” penned an insightful essay reflecting on the enduring appeal of this seemingly uneventful Royal Family Sitcom.
The Royle Family cast in their iconic TV room, a scene from the beloved British royal family sitcom
What makes “The Royle Family” so compelling is its audacious premise: almost nothing happens. Set primarily in the television room of the Royle family home in Manchester, England, the series unfolds with minimal movement beyond the occasional foray into the dining room or the perpetually cluttered kitchen. This royal family sitcom doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists or over-the-top scenarios. Instead, it thrives on the subtle nuances of family interaction, showcasing a dynamic where each member simultaneously enables and endures each other’s flaws.
At the heart of this royal family sitcom are Jim and Barbara Royle, portrayed with remarkable authenticity by Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston. They lead a family that redefines dysfunction. The very notion of personal growth, a common trope in many family-centric shows, is utterly foreign to the Royles. Their world is confined, their perspectives limited, yet within these constraints lies a profound and relatable portrayal of familial love. They are a royal family in their own right, reigning over their chaotic household with a blend of exasperation and unwavering loyalty.
Odenkirk astutely points out that while television often provides manufactured comfort, “The Royle Family” delves deeper, offering something far more genuine. Moments of tenderness are rare and complex, particularly when Jim attempts to express affection. These are not grand gestures, but fleeting moments of connection – a shared glance, a small act of consideration. It’s in these understated interactions that the true warmth of this royal family sitcom emerges. The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to expose the beauty within the broken, the love within the exasperation, making it as intricate and emotionally resonant as acclaimed films like “Ordinary People” or “The Graduate.”
Odenkirk shares a personal anecdote that underscores the show’s unique appeal. During a challenging time with his own family, he introduced his 12-year-old son to “The Royle Family.” For a child growing up in Los Angeles, the mundane lives of this working-class British family were both hilariously foreign and surprisingly comforting. The show depicted a family navigating their hurts and disappointments with resilience, their bonds remaining unbroken despite constant bickering and teasing. This royal family sitcom reveals a profound truth: families, even at their most irritating, offer an irreplaceable sense of belonging.
The humor in “The Royle Family” is derived from its unflinching realism. The characters are rude, often insensitive, yet capable of unexpected sweetness, like Jim’s impromptu banjo performances. This juxtaposition of harshness and tenderness creates a viewing experience that is both confounding and deeply moving. It’s this very complexity that elevates “The Royle Family” beyond typical sitcom fare and solidifies its place as a standout example of the royal family sitcom done exceptionally well.
Odenkirk’s repeated viewings of the series, including a recent re-watch with his family, speak volumes about its lasting impact. “The Royle Family” is more than just a comedy; it’s a bonding experience, a mirror reflecting the messy, imperfect, yet ultimately loving nature of family life. For those yet to discover this gem of a royal family sitcom, it is readily available on Amazon Prime. Odenkirk offers one crucial piece of advice: turn on the subtitles – a testament to the show’s authentic regional dialect and a key to fully appreciating its nuanced humor. “The Royle Family” is not just a sitcom; it’s a poignant and hilarious exploration of what it truly means to be a family, earning its place among the greatest television shows of all time and cementing its legacy as a quintessential royal family sitcom.
