December 27th 2024.
I have to admit, the 2024 Christmas special of the hit BBC comedy series Outnumbered was one of the most relatable and realistic episodes I've seen so far. It's not often that my entire family can agree on a TV show, let alone gather together on the couch with excitement to watch it. But when we heard about the Outnumbered Christmas special, we knew we had to tune in. Growing up as a family of five, we were all fans of the Brockman clan and their hilarious antics. So naturally, we were all eagerly anticipating this special, which would catch us up on the lives of the beloved characters almost a decade later.
For those who may not know, Outnumbered ran for five seasons from 2007 to 2014, with a Christmas special in 2016. Now, in 2024, the show has returned for what could be its final episode. The Brockmans – mom Sue, dad Pete, and siblings Karen, Ben, and Jake – have become household names in Britain, and for good reason. The show, created by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, perfectly captured the chaos of raising a young family in a rapidly changing society.
As someone who has been a fan since the beginning, I knew that things would be different in this special. The kids are all grown up now, and it's only natural that some of the child-like whimsy from past episodes would be gone. In the past, the show was praised for its unscripted humor, the hilarious ad-libbing from the kids, and its ability to capture the awkwardness of British life. But as we all know, times change. So I was curious to see how the show would handle this new stage in the Brockman family's life, especially since it mirrored my own family's experiences.
As expected, the special did its best to recreate the magic of the original series. Although it didn't quite reach the same heights, I was still left feeling satisfied. I was tickled by the gentle humor and happy to catch up with old friends I hadn't seen in a while. The special follows the Brockman kids as they come home for Christmas, each with their own set of problems. Jake is now a tired father trying to navigate his relationship with his partner Rani. Karen is a proud lesbian who was arrested at a Just Stop Oil protest. And Ben is preparing for a mountain climbing adventure in the Andes. Meanwhile, the parents are dealing with Pete's recent diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Since its airing, the special has received some criticism for being too depressing and not having enough funny moments. Some have even called it disappointing. But I have to disagree. While the cancer storyline was a bit jarring at first, it felt like a realistic and timely topic. After all, the show has never shied away from heavy issues in the past, such as dementia, death, and homophobia. Perhaps the difference this time is that the seriousness was condensed into a 40-minute special.
As a family of five, the dynamics of the Brockman household felt familiar to us. Whether it was the inside jokes, Karen's rebellious attitude, or Sue and Pete's desperate attempts at a perfect Christmas, there was something for everyone. And Jake's daughter added a much-needed spark of youthful energy to the episode. One of my favorite moments was when Pete was forced to pretend to be a hyena with her, a scene that had my own father laughing along.
In the end, the special was a brilliant snapshot of a modern-day family whose children have grown up and left the nest. The changes in the show felt accurate and reflective of real life. The parents now own a home, while the kids are all renting. It's their turn to guide Sue and Pete through the challenges of 21st-century living. And despite the complaints, having conversations about our parents' health is a reality that many of us face as we get older. Injecting humor into such a heavy topic is a way to bring light to a difficult situation.
I understand the disappointment some may have felt with the special. Like many, I was initially wishing for the Outnumbered I knew and loved, but the truth is, none of us are the children we used to be. We've all grown up, just like the Brockman kids. And that's exactly what the show was trying to capture. As always, Outnumbered held up a mirror to society, and it's not the show's fault if some people don't like what they see.
As the episode came to an end and we turned off the TV, the silence in our living room was filled with a sense of contentment. The Brockmans get it, and so do we. So, did you enjoy the Outnumbered Christmas special? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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