Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brit comedy about adventures of parenthood; some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the show is highly relatable and hilarious, especially for those who grew up in suburban London, with a focus on natural performances by child actors and comedic improvisation. While it includes occasional swearing and sexual innuendo, most viewers find the humor charming and suitable for teens and older children, although it may not be ideal for younger audiences due to its mature themes.
- relatable humor
- natural acting
- occasional swearing
- suitable for teens
- comedic improvisation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
OUTNUMBERED is an award-winning British comedy about the trials and tribulations of a family with small children. The series stars Claire Skinner and Hugh Dennis as Sue and Pete, forty-something parents who are a little overwhelmed by their unruly children, 13-year-old Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey), 9-year-old Ben (Daniel Roche), and 7-year-old Karen (Ramona Marquez). Adding to the stress of raising their family is watching out for Sue's elderly father Frank (David Ryall), who is entering the early stages of dementia. Sue's sister Angela (Samantha Bond) also adds to the fray. Life is never dull for this gang, but they never stop being a close, loving family.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers a humorous but thoughtful look into the world of parenting by filming it in a documentary style that allows the child actors to improvise what they say rather than following a written script.
Some viewers may be unaccustomed to the pace of the show, which moves slightly slower than than most American comedies. It also deals with some serious issues, like aging parents, bullying, racism, and learning disabilities. But despite all of this, it offers an intelligent and witty look at the imperfect world of middle class family life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what being a family means. Is there such thing as a perfect family? Do families always have to be well-behaved? Get along? Why do families argue, even if they love each other?
What can we learn from programs from other countries? What kinds of things do you think people from other countries can learn from American shows? Do you think these lessons are accurate?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 30, 2011
- Cast : Claire Skinner , Hugh Dennis , Tyger Drew-Honey
- Network : BBC America
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate