Watch Starlings

Starlings is a British family sitcom/drama that aired on Sky 1 from May 2012 to December 2013. The show, created by Steve Edge and Matt King, revolves around the daily lives and struggles of the Starling family, a middle-class clan living in rural Derbyshire. With a diverse cast of characters and well-written storylines, Starlings manages to strike a balance between comedy and drama, making it an enjoyable watch for a broad audience.

Alan Williams plays the role of Grandad Starling, the patriarch of the family who lovingly controls the household with his peculiar ways. He is a widower who lives with his daughter Jan and her family in their spacious but rundown house. Brendan Coyle stars as Terry Starling, Jan's husband, and Charlie's father. He is a kind-hearted man who tries to provide for his family but often finds himself struggling to make ends meet. Finn Atkins plays Charlie Starling, a free-spirited young woman who is in a band and dreams of making it big in the music industry. John Dagleish plays Gravy Starling, Terry's brother, who has a reputation for being a bit of a troublemaker.

Lesley Sharp plays Jan Starling, Grandad's daughter, and the glue that holds the family together. She is a devoted wife and a mother of three, who tries to maintain a balance between her family and work life. Matt King plays Uncle Loz, Jan's brother, who is always around when there is a party or a drink to be had. Rebecca Night plays Bell Starling, Terry's daughter from his previous marriage. She is intelligent but often misunderstood, struggling to find her place in the world. Lastly, Steve Edge plays Fergie, Charlie's best friend and bandmate, who is always willing to lend a hand or offer a bit of advice, whether it is wanted or not.

The show's strength lies in its portrayal of the everyday struggles of families, tackling various themes such as love, loss, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Each character has their own quirks and flaws, making them relatable and endearing. The show explores the different dynamics within the family, such as the sibling rivalry between Gravy and Terry, or the strained relationship between Bell and her father. The contrast between the traditional and unconventional family members is also a theme that is explored throughout the show.

Set in the idyllic countryside, the show makes use of its breathtaking location to establish a sense of community and neighborliness. The residents of the small town often provide comedic relief, with their quirky personalities and funny situations. The show does well to portray the sense of community that is often found in rural areas where everyone knows everyone else's business.

One of the strengths of the show is the quality of its writing, which seamlessly blends comedy and drama. The show does not shy away from tackling hard-hitting subjects, such as death or mental health, while still managing to keep its charm and humor intact. The show also successfully manages to convey a sense of warmth and familiarity, making it an easy watch for families.

The acting in the show is superb, with each character being well-cast and excellently portrayed. Alan Williams, in particular, shines as Grandad Starling, stealing the show with his eccentric but lovable character. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making the family dynamic feel authentic and real.

In conclusion, Starlings is a heartwarming family show that manages to strike a perfect balance between comedy and drama. The carefully crafted characters, excellent writing, and beautiful setting make it a joy to watch. The show explores universal themes such as family, love, and belonging, making it a relatable watch for people of all ages. The show might not have received the attention it deserved, but for those who discovered it, it was a gem.