Watch The Royle Family

The Royle Family is a popular British television sitcom that aired on BBC One from 1998 to 2012. It was created and written by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash, who also starred in the show alongside Sue Johnston. Set in Manchester, the show revolves around the daily lives of a working-class family, the Royles, who spend most of their time gathered in their living room, watching television and discussing current events. The show was shot in a single camera style and features a number of close-ups and long takes, giving it a naturalistic feel.

The main characters are Jim, the father (played by Ricky Tomlinson), his wife Barbara (played by Sue Johnston), and their two children, Denise (played by Caroline Aherne) and Antony (played by Ralf Little). In addition, there is Jim's mother, Nana (played by Liz Smith), who is confined to her chair and bickers with her daughter-in-law Barbara, and Denise's husband, Dave (played by Craig Cash), who is unemployed and spends most of his time lounging around the house along with the rest of the family.

The show is known for its wry, observational humor and its ability to find humor in the mundane - from arguments over the television remote to complaints about the weather, the show's humor is often generated by the characters' reactions to everyday situations. The show also features a number of recurring gags and catchphrases, such as Jim's constant refrain of "my arse!" and his habit of farting loudly and without apology.

Despite its reputation for being a comedy about "nothing," The Royle Family often tackles more serious topics, such as unemployment, illness, and death. For example, in one episode, Barbara is diagnosed with breast cancer, and the family rallies around her as she undergoes treatment. In another episode, Nana dies, and the family struggles to come to terms with her passing.

Over the course of its run, The Royle Family won numerous awards and became a beloved cultural touchstone in the UK. It was praised for its authenticity and relatable characters, as well as its ability to find humor in the everyday struggles of ordinary people.

In recent years, the show has been criticized for its use of racial and homophobic slurs, which were considered more acceptable at the time of its original airing but have since fallen out of favor. However, the show's legacy as a groundbreaking comedy about the lives of working-class people in the UK remains secure.

The Royle Family is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (28 episodes). The series first aired on September 14, 1998.