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Outnumbered
Common Sense says
- BBC America
- Comedy
- 2011
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this British series offers a funny and intelligent look at a family with young children, it also contains some mature topics, including coping with elderly parents, bullying, and child behavioral issues. The language is occasionally strong ("bitch," "bastard," "arse"; words like "a--hole" are muted), and there are some references to sex. Both the children and the adults are sometimes shown arguing, as well as discussing (and sometimes engaging in) some inappropriate behaviors, including lying.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
One of the funiest shows ive ever seen
Great series, but hard to understand!
outnumbered
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: NR
- Available on: Streaming
For kids who love comedy
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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.