My Family

Ben Harper is a self described family man and dentist who finds his midlife rhythm disrupted by the chaos of a bustling London home. The show follows his attempts to keep the family on track while his own ambitions drift in the background. His wife Susan loves the spark of everyday life and works as a London tour guide, yet she sometimes misplaces basic kitchen skills at home, turning domestic chores into comic misadventures. Their children offer a lively contrast: Nick, a nineteen-year-old on a half-hearted gap year; Janey, a sharp sixteen going on twenty-five; and Michael, a bright but socially awkward twelve-year-old who is just discovering girls. Often the humor comes from daily rituals like dinners and school runs.

Created by Fred Barron, My Family began in 2000 on BBC One. It centers on the Harper clan led by Robert Lindsay and Zoë Wanamaker, with Gabriel Thomson, Daniela Denby-Ashe, and Keiron Self in supporting roles. The balance between home life and work provides the engine for most episodes.

The show struck a chord with audiences by turning the living room into a theater of ordinary life. Quick banter, awkward moments, and small victories felt universal. It helped set a template for UK family comedies that mix domestic chaos with warm relationships and relatable parenting struggles. Its relaxed tone made it a family staple on weeknights and a reference point for viewers seeking approachable humor.

Critics often praised the show for its strong performances and its balance of humour with genuine family pressures. Themes include midlife doubt, the push and pull of adolescence, and the partnership between a working mother and a practical father. The series treats everyday missteps with affection and leaves the door open for optimism rather than cynicism. It also celebrates resilience in the face of ordinary setbacks.