Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

shannen-l-c What makes 'Outnumbered' stand out to me is that it's a very realistic portrayal of what life is like for many working parents that are trying to navigate the day to day stresses and challenges that come with it. It's not dressed up or made to look fancy for TV, it's just a family being a family. Sue and Pete, the parents, are constantly questioning their ability to parent (and what parent doesn't?), trying to do the best for their children whilst simultaneously worrying that they're failing them and all in all are very normal people that could easily be someone's neighbour, family friend or colleague. Jake, Ben and Karen, the kids, are unique kids with their own personalities that all pose their parents with different challenges. Unlike kids on most other shows, Jake, Ben and Karen are actually allowed to be children. They're not given two or three lines and then told to play quietly in the background, they're central and important characters just as much as Pete and Sue (if not more so). The improvisation aspect of the show really works well with the kids and adds to the realness of the show by allowing the children to say and do what they feel is natural. I also enjoy the positive spin the show puts on the children by taking what would usually be stereotyped as naughtiness or bad behaviour, and instead portraying it as individuality and misunderstanding of character. Ben, who is considered a 'problematic' child in the early seasons proves himself to be a very kind, generous, intelligent young man whose over-zealousness, curiosity and enthusiasm for life causes him to get carried away. Karen, who is a 'diva' or 'brat' is a highly analytical, clever out-spoken and self-assured little girl who is determined to be exactly who she is. And this is what 'Outnumbered' does so well - it shows that all children are their own people, with their own thoughts, feelings and opinions and although parents are there to guide and discipline their children, it's important to also let them grow into who they're going to be in their own time and in their own way. Putting this aside, the comedy is subtle and effective, although not necessarily laugh out loud funny. The acting is good, even from the young actors that play the children and the dynamics between the family are extremely effective and feel very representative of a real family. All in all, 'Outnumbered' has been my go to sitcom for many years when I simply need to switch off and have some relief from the stresses of life.

boguseconomist If showing a couple of incompetent parents and a trio of gifted, totally out-of-control kids is comedy, then a Mensa reform school would be a riot. I will acknowledge the children are good actors, but ask yourself what you would do if these bright little menaces were in your face 24/7. I suggest the last thing we need is another example of an emasculated excuse for a father trying to prove he's in some way more intelligent than his offspring. The children show no responsibility, little consideration for other than themselves and a total disregard for any authority. In other words, the perfect example of miniature Rupert Murdochs. I'm writing this whilst getting away from the program until New Tricks comes on.

stewart-meyer This easily overlooked series was given an extraordinarily late slot by the BBC. It was shown at around 11pm on three consecutive nights, with the final three episodes shown in a similar manner the following week. Here in the UK we are used to family comedy having a once a week slot at a decent hour. It gives the show time to build an audience through word of mouth. The Office built slowly by reputation. This little masterpiece should have been given the same chance.There are several clips from Outnumbered on Youtube for those unfortunate enough to have missed it. The children are a revelation. With no actual 'jokes' and no laughter track it is refreshingly naturalistic. I look forward to a rerun at a proper hour and hope for a second series.

happykatt When I first saw the adverts for this show all that crossed my mind was the horror of another family sitcom full of clichés and ridiculous situations. So I had to watch it. Everyone needs something to bitch about, right?But when I started laughing and smiling, I realised that Outnumbered had cast away any doubters with brilliant performances from some very talented actors, Hugh Dennis and the children made it look like we were actually watching a real family. The jokes were funny and realistic, you may argue that a child, who picks up a screwdriver and waves it about, is far fetched, I guarantee you its not.The show should be boring and bland. Nothing happens except a family go about there day to day business and you cant help but wanting more. Due to great acting, brilliant writing and ingenious improvisation you are left wondering exactly why you find yourself hooked to what your family is doing downstairs.