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2point4 Children
2point4 Children
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2point4 Children
Title card, used for Series 8.
GenreSitcom
Created byAndrew Marshall
Written byAndrew Marshall
Directed byRichard Boden (Series 1-5)
Nick Wood (Series 6-7)
Dewi Humphreys (Series 8)
Starring
Theme music composerHoward Goodall[1]
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series8
No. of episodes56 (list of episodes)
Production
ProducerRichard Boden
Camera setupVideo; Multiple camera
Running time30 minutes
Production companyBBC Television
Original release
NetworkBBC One
Release3 September 1991 (1991-09-03) –
30 December 1999 (1999-12-30)

2point4 Children is a BBC Television sitcom that was created and written by Andrew Marshall. It follows the lives of the Porters, a seemingly average, working-class London family whose world is frequently turned upside-down by bad luck and bizarre occurrences.[2]

The show was originally broadcast on BBC One from 1991 to 1999, and ran for eight series, concluding on 30 December 1999 with the special episode "The Millennium Experience". The show is regularly repeated in the UK. In Australia showings are on UKTV. The name of the show comes from the stereotypical average size of a typical nuclear family in the UK at the time of the writing of the first series.[3]

The show regularly picked up audiences of up to 14 million throughout the 1990s, with an average of between 6 and 9 million.[4] The final episode was viewed by 9.03 million people.[5]

Lead actor Gary Olsen died in 2000, effectively ruling out a return of the show for any further series.[6]

Plot summary

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The Porters are a working-class family who live in Chiswick, London who at first seem normal enough. Bill is the sensible, level-headed mother who does the cooking and housework whilst working for a bakery with her highly sexed best friend Rona. Ben is the father, who is often just as immature as the children. He runs a heating repair business with his moody and sarcastic assistant Christine.

Jenny is the typical teenage daughter, keen on boys, music and vegetarianism, and David is the mischievous younger brother, who enjoys horror films, aliens and annoying his older sister.

However, the Porters' world is frequently upended by bizarre occurrences and bad luck. Whether it is dealing with flatulent dogs, a frozen body in a freezer in the front room, or even stumbling across a warehouse filled with Shirley Bassey's cast-off ballgowns, anything seems possible in the Porters' world. Traditionally Christmas episodes would feature characters collectively performing a musical number.[7]

Cast

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Main characters

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Supporting characters

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  • Liz Smith as both Bette and Aunt Belle, Bill's mother and her twin sister
  • Annette Kerr as Dora Grimes, the Porter family's neighbour
  • Patricia Brake (series 1) and Sandra Dickinson (series 2 onward) as Tina Porter, Ben's sister
  • Leonard O'Malley (series 1) as Gerry
  • Andrew Hall (series 2) as Gordon, Rona's fiancé
  • Barbara Lott (series 2 to 6) as Auntie Pearl, Rona's biological mother
  • Roger Lloyd-Pack (series 3 to 6) as Jake "The Klingon" Klinger, Ben's business rival
  • Tom Roberts (series 3 onwards) as Tony, Rona's DJ boyfriend
  • Nathan Valente (series 4 to 7) as Clive, Jenny's boyfriend
  • Arbel Jones (series 4 to 6) as Laura, Clive's mother
  • Mitchell Ray (series 7) and Alex Kew (series 8) as Declan, a homeless boy fostered by the Porters

Guest appearances

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Episodes

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The show originally ran from 1991 to 1999. 56 episodes were made over eight series, including six Christmas specials in which the cast performed carols or original theme songs. Although the series was made over the course of eight years, the show's in-universe timeline appears to be much shorter, with Jenny Porter stated to be 14 in series one, yet only just starting university at age 18 in the final series.

Andrew Marshall wrote all of the episodes, except for three in series seven which were written by Paul Alexander, Simon Braithwaite and Paul Smith.

Reception

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2point4 Children was met with mixed to positive reviews. In a 1994 article for The Independent, Jim White is critical of Andrew Marshall's scriptwriting saying that Marshall "[...] appears to labour under the belief that by grafting a few stock comedy moments on to his parade of the ordinary he can pass the thing off as a fully integrated sitcom", and White calls the show "unrelentingly average."[8] A 1999 review from the Guardian is positive, writing that "it's odd but when people ask why the BBC doesn't make decent mainstream sitcoms anymore, Andrew Marshall's glorious saga of the hapless Porters rarely gets a mention. Going strong since 1991, the new series is as sharp as ever".[9]

In 2004, the series ranked #44 in the BBC television poll, Britain's Best Sitcom.[10]

Home media

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BBC Enterprises released a video in 1993, comprising the first three episodes of the series, which are known as: Leader of the Pack, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, and When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Go Shopping.

The first three series were released on Region 2 DVD by Eureka Video in 2005. A box set of the first three series was also made available in 2008, again through Eureka Video, with music changes within the episodes. Eureka Video stated that "sales were not good" and they released no further series. 2Entertain, part of BBC Worldwide, say they have tried many times to license the series for distribution by a third party but the high clearance costs for music and imagery used has been the main deterrent.

A Facebook campaign for a release of the whole series was started in 2009.

The series was added to Britbox on 16 December 2021[11] In March 2022, all 56 episodes were made available on the BBC iPlayer for one year, however as of 27 July 2024, all 8 series' are still available to watch on BBC iPlayer.[12]

Title Format Release date Features
2point4 children – Leader of the Pack VHS 26 February 1996


  • Includes Series 1: Episodes 1–3
  • BBFC rating: PG
2point4 children – The Complete Series One DVD 24 January 2005[13]
  • 6 episodes
  • 1 disc
  • 177 minutes
  • Dolby Digital AC3
  • Subtitles: English SDH
  • Special features:
    • Tribute to Gary Olsen
    • Stills Gallery
  • BBFC rating: PG
2point4 children – The Complete Series Two DVD 25 April 2005


  • 7 episodes
  • 1992 Christmas special
    (included as special feature)
  • 1 disc
  • 203 minutes
  • Dolby Digital AC3
  • Subtitles: English SDH
  • BBFC rating: PG
2point4 children – The Complete Series Three DVD 22 August 2005


  • 6 episodes
  • 1993 Christmas special
    (included as special feature)
  • 1 disc
  • 206 minutes
  • Dolby Digital AC3
  • Subtitles: English SDH
  • BBFC rating: PG
2point4 children – Series One to Three DVD 22 September 2008


  • 19 episodes
  • Special features:
    • Tribute to Gary Olsen
    • Stills Gallery
    • 1992 Christmas special
    • 1993 Christmas special
  • 3 discs
  • 586 minutes
  • Dolby Digital AC3
  • Subtitles: English SDH
  • BBFC rating: PG

Remake

[edit]
Kees & Co
Set for the 2019 revival.
GenreSitcom
Based on2point4 Children
by Andrew Marshall
Written by
  • Martine Bijl (seasons 1-5)
  • Lenny Barker (seasons 5-6)
  • Haye van der Heyden (seasons 7-8)
  • Alex van Galen (seasons 9-10)
Directed by
  • Tony Craven
  • Hans de Korte
  • Wim Dröge
  • Zdeněk Kraus
Starring
Composers
Country of originNetherlands
Original languageDutch
No. of seasons10
No. of episodes111
Production
Running time22-25 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkRTL 4
Release20 September 1997 (1997-09-20) –
25 May 2006 (2006-05-25)
Release30 March 2019 (2019-03-30) –
4 April 2020 (2020-04-04)

In 1997 a remake of the show debuted in the Netherlands: Kees & Co starring Simone Kleinsma.[14] The remake ran for eight series between 1997 and 2006. The first five series were adapted from the original English-language scripts, whilst the last three series featured original storylines and characters. In 2018 it was announced that the remake would return for a ninth series with Kleinsma reprising her role.[15]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
2point4 Children is a that aired on from 1991 to 1999, created and written by Andrew Marshall. The series centres on the Porter family—a seemingly ordinary working-class household living in , —whose everyday lives are repeatedly upended by bizarre mishaps, bad luck, and peculiar dilemmas. The main characters include Bill Porter, the stressed mother and caterer played by ; her husband Ben, a plumber portrayed by ; their teenage daughter Jenny, acted by ; and their young son David, played by John Pickard. Recurring roles feature as Rona, Bill's business partner and best friend, adding to the family's chaotic dynamic. Spanning eight series and 56 episodes, the show was known for its sharp humour, family-oriented storylines, and theme tune composed by . It concluded in 1999, with Gary Olsen's death in 2000 marking a poignant end to the series' legacy as a staple of .

Premise and Production

Premise

2point4 Children is a that centres on the , a working-class household living in , , whose ordinary domestic life is repeatedly disrupted by a series of bizarre and unfortunate events. The show follows their attempts to navigate everyday challenges, from family squabbles to household mishaps, often escalating into surreal and darkly comedic scenarios that test their bonds. At the heart of the narrative is the resilience of the unit, highlighting how they endure misfortune with humour and practicality despite the chaos. The Porter family consists of mother Bill, a level-headed caterer who manages the while running her ; father , an immature plumber prone to gadget obsessions and childlike antics; teenage daughter Jenny, who grapples with adolescent issues; and son , a mischievous schemer whose antics frequently contribute to the household turmoil. Bill serves as the practical anchor, often countering Ben's immaturity, while the children's youthful rebellions add layers of comedic tension to the family dynamics. Thematically, the series blends traditional domestic sitcom elements with surreal twists, such as ghostly encounters or unexpected disasters, to underscore the unpredictability of family life and the strength derived from mutual support. This mix of relatable mishaps and exaggerated misfortune emphasises themes of and affection in the face of adversity. The title 2point4 Children derives from the 1991 census statistic indicating an average of 2.4 children per , playfully nodding to the Porters' "non-standard" yet typical household size amid their unconventional experiences.

Production

2point4 Children was created and written by Andrew Marshall, a British known for his earlier satirical work on The New Statesman (1987–1994), which he co-wrote with . Marshall developed the series as a family blending domestic realism with dark humor and surreal elements, drawing from his experience in crafting witty, character-driven comedy. The was produced in-house by the and broadcast on from 3 September 1991 to 30 December 1999. It spanned eight series comprising 56 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes in length, including five specials integrated into the run. The production was directed initially by Richard Boden, with later series helmed by Nick Wood and Dewi Humphreys, and produced by figures including Marshall himself and MacGowan. Filming took place primarily at BBC Television Centre in for interior scenes, with exterior shots captured on location in , , including at 142 Duke Road to represent the Porter family home. Marshall's scripts emphasized sharp , , and escalating absurd situations, often highlighting the family's chaotic dynamics through layered dialogue and elements. A significant production challenge arose after the series ended, when lead actor , who played Ben Porter, died of in September 2000 at age 42, effectively preventing any potential revival or additional specials. Over the seasons, the show's tone evolved to incorporate more mature themes, such as family tensions and personal loss, while retaining its core humorous structure.

Cast and Characters

Main Characters

The main characters of 2point4 Children are the members of the Porter family, a working-class household whose everyday lives are disrupted by misfortune and eccentricity. Centered around parents Bill and Ben, along with their children Jenny and David, the series explores family dynamics through humor derived from generational differences and mishaps. Bill Porter, portrayed by , is the pragmatic matriarch and primary voice of reason in the family. Initially employed at a alongside her friend Rona, Bill faces redundancy early in the series, prompting her to co-launch a business that becomes a key element of her storyline. Her in the first two series revolves around questioning her life choices amid family chaos, evolving from a harassed working mother to a more empowered entrepreneur while maintaining her level-headed demeanor. Ben Porter, played by , serves as the bumbling patriarch and whose childish hobbies and failed inventions provide much of the . As a by trade, Ben often exhibits juvenile traits that mirror those of his children, leading to recurring gags involving his ineptitude and avoidance of responsibility. Throughout the run, Ben's character remains consistently hapless, with his interactions highlighting marital tensions and his role as the less assertive partner to Bill, though he shows occasional glimpses of reliability in family crises. Jenny Porter, the sarcastic teenage daughter, is first played by Clare Woodgate in series 1 and 2, with taking over from series 3 onward. Dealing with typical adolescent issues like and relationships, Jenny's arc spans her growth from a 13-year-old to an 18-year-old by the final series, reflecting broader family maturation without dramatic overhauls. Her witty retorts and clashes with her parents underscore generational conflicts, positioning her as the voice of youthful cynicism in the household. David Porter, portrayed by John Pickard, is the mischievous younger son whose pranks and obsession with the drive much of the physical and absurd humor. Aged around 7 at the start and reaching 14 by the end, David functions as the family's resident troublemaker, often amplifying chaos through his schemes. His development culminates in subtle maturity during , where he demonstrates unexpected empathy toward a foster , contrasting his earlier prankster persona. The Porters' interactions emphasize enduring family bonds amid clashes, with gradual personal growth rather than sweeping changes, contributing to the sitcom's portrayal of an "average" beset by the extraordinary.

Supporting Characters

Rona Harris, played by , is Bill's best friend, business partner in the catering company, and a man-hungry neighbor whose flirtatious nature and involvement in the Porters' mishaps add to the series' comedic chaos. Appearing throughout the run, Rona provides through her romantic pursuits and supportive yet eccentric role in family dilemmas. Liz Smith portrayed Bette, the meddlesome and guilt-inflicting mother of Bill Porter, who frequently disrupts the family household with her quirky behaviors and unannounced visits, such as attending funerals or entering hypnotic trances during holidays. Smith also played Bette's twin sister, Aunt Belle, 's cantankerous aunt who lives in a and often feuds with her sibling, contributing to comedic arguments and odd predicaments like being locked in her flat. These dual roles amplified the series' humor through familial interference and eccentric elderly dynamics, with Bette appearing in episodes across multiple series and specials from 1991 to 1998. Annette Kerr played Dora Grimes, the snotty next-door neighbor who, alongside her husband , engages in petty rivalries and gossip with the Porters, often sparking disputes over neighborhood issues like their problematic Farty. Dora's nosy intrusions and snobbish attitude provided consistent comedic tension, appearing in 11 episodes primarily from series 3 onward, heightening the everyday chaos in the Porter home. Other recurring supporting figures included Tina Porter, Ben's fussy and prejudiced sister, played by Patricia Brake in series 1 and Sandra Dickinson thereafter, whose hysterical reactions and family disruptions added layers of relational comedy in six episodes. Kim Benson portrayed Christine Atkins, Ben's aggressive and bad-tempered plumbing assistant, whose workplace clashes introduced external tensions that spilled into the family's life, notably in series 3. These peripheral characters collectively enhanced the sitcom's portrayal of suburban turmoil by injecting interference and gag setups without deep personal arcs.

Guest Appearances

The sitcom 2point4 Children occasionally featured notable guest appearances by celebrities, which served to amplify its satirical humor and surreal family dynamics without advancing the main narrative arc. These one-off roles often highlighted absurd situations, such as business rivalries or vacation mishaps, injecting fresh comedic energy into specific episodes. Actor , best known for portraying Trigger in , guest-starred as Jake "The Klingon" Klinger, Ben's plumbing rival, in episodes like "Seven Dials" (series 5, episode 5) and "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (series 6, episode 5), where his delivery heightened the competitive banter and between the characters. In "Whoopee, We're All Going to Die" (series 3, episode 6), —famous for his voice work as Captain Blue in —appeared as Chet, a bombastic U.S. presenter whose dire hurricane warnings propel the Porter family's chaotic getaway into . Such appearances were scattered throughout the run, appearing more frequently in specials to tie into festive themes like family gatherings or holiday mishaps, though they remained episodic rather than integral to ongoing storylines. By incorporating established stars from music, film, and television, these cameos lent BBC-produced star power and bolstered the series' blend of everyday domesticity with exaggerated, surreal .

Episodes

Series Overview

2point4 Children aired 51 regular episodes across eight series from 1991 to 1999, with each series comprising 6 or 7 episodes, in addition to five Christmas specials broadcast annually from 1992 to 1996. The first series, which premiered on 3 September 1991 and consisted of six episodes, introduced the central Porter family and their everyday domestic challenges. Subsequent series built on this foundation, incorporating progressive themes such as the children's adolescence and family dynamics as the characters aged, without any major changes to the overall format.
SeriesEpisodesFirst airedLast aired
163 September 19918 October 1991
272 September 199214 October 1992
367 September 199312 October 1993
4613 September 199418 October 1994
562 October 19956 November 1995
6714 November 199619 December 1996
7714 September 199826 October 1998
8616 November 199930 December 1999
The episodes were typically broadcast weekly on , with production gaps of up to two years between series, allowing for annual returns that aligned with the show's family-centric narrative. The series concluded with the final episode of series 8, "The Millennium Experience", on 30 December 1999. Each episode followed a self-contained centered on humorous mishaps in the Porter household, enhanced by recurring running gags involving family members and supporting characters like the neighbor Rona. Direction was handled by various staff, including frequent contributor Richard Boden, ensuring consistent comedic timing across the run.

Christmas Specials

The Christmas specials of 2point4 Children consisted of five annual holiday episodes aired between 1992 and 1996, each lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes. These episodes were broadcast during Christmas week on and stood apart from the main series, receiving separate numbering as standalone productions. They expanded on the show's domestic chaos by centering the Porter family in heightened festive scenarios, such as disastrous visits to relatives or unexpected travel woes. A hallmark of these specials was their incorporation of musical elements, including carols and performances where the cast sang 1950s-style songs in a satirical nod to American holiday variety shows. Holiday mishaps drove the narratives, from malfunctioning gifts and overabundant decorations to comedic accidents involving traditional trimmings like trees and turkeys, often underscoring the tension between seasonal goodwill and inevitable family friction. Guest appearances by recurring supporting characters amplified the gatherings' absurdity, contributing to the episodes' blend of and heartfelt resolution. These specials remain popular among fans for their escapist humor and departure from the standard 30-minute format, offering extended comedic set pieces that highlighted the series' surreal edge. The 1996 special, "," exemplified this variety with its cruise ship adventure theme, signaling the show's evolving tone amid ongoing production before the conclusion of series 8 in 1999.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its debut in 1991, 2point4 Children received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the witty scripts penned by Andrew Marshall for their sharp dialogue and blend of domestic realism with surreal elements, while others criticized the humor as immature and reliant on stock gags like pratfalls and absurd props. In a 1994 assessment, Jim White of The Independent faulted the series for its "unrelentingly average" approach, arguing that it unsuccessfully imitated American sitcoms like Roseanne without achieving comparable comic rigor, and dismissed elements such as cockroach infestations and helium-induced voice changes as uninspired. Despite such critiques, the show's ensemble chemistry, particularly the dynamic between Belinda Lang's harried mother Bill and Gary Olsen's affable Ben, was often highlighted as a strength, providing a relatable anchor amid the chaos. Over its run from to 1999, 2point4 Children garnered a dedicated following, averaging 6 to 9 million viewers per episode and peaking at 14 million, which contributed to its status as a mainstream success rather than a fringe offering. The series evolved into a favorite for its portrayal of family life—marked by financial strains, sibling rivalries, and parental exasperation—infused with bizarre twists like neighbors or parodies that subverted conventions. Critics appreciated how these elements captured the underlying weirdness of everyday households without descending into outright , though some noted occasional repetition in the gags as a minor flaw. In modern retrospectives, particularly post-2010 analyses, the show is celebrated as a key representation of 1990s British comedy, valued for its naturalistic depiction of a working-class family led by a strong female protagonist in Bill, who balanced career demands with domestic duties in a way that felt progressive for the era. Its enduring appeal lies in the chemistry among the cast and the relatable yet heightened portrayal of parental absurdities, though later views have occasionally questioned the reinforcement of traditional gender dynamics through Bill's overburdened role. Overall, 2point4 Children is regarded as an underappreciated gem that combined heartfelt family moments with offbeat humor, free from major controversies and solidifying its place in BBC sitcom history.

Awards and Rankings

The sitcom 2point4 Children did not receive major accolades such as BAFTA Awards, but it earned a nomination for Best New TV Comedy at the 1992 British Comedy Awards. The series' creator and writer, Andrew Marshall, was separately recognized for his broader contributions to British comedy writing, including nominations for his work on other programs like Hot Metal. In terms of rankings, 2point4 Children placed 44th in the BBC's 2004 poll for , as voted by the public from a shortlist of 100 shows. It has also been featured in retrospectives of British comedies, highlighting its role in the era's family-oriented humor. Its enduring popularity is evident in streaming revivals, such as the full series addition to in 2022 as part of the broadcaster's centenary celebrations. Culturally, 2point4 Children popularized the phrase "2.4 children" in British media, referencing the average UK family size reported by the Office for National Statistics during the . The death of lead actor from cancer in 2000, at age 42, has since added a nostalgic dimension to the series' reruns and discussions.

Adaptations and Home Media

International Adaptations

The primary international adaptation of 2point4 Children is the Dutch sitcom Kees & Co, which debuted on in 1997. Created and written by Andrew Marshall, the original writer of the British series, it stars Simone Kleinsma as Kees Heistee, a caterer and mother in a role analogous to Bill Porter, alongside her husband Ben (Rik Hoogendoorn) and their children. The show follows a similar premise of an average family's mishaps but localizes the content with Dutch-specific cultural references and humor, such as everyday suburban life in the , while maintaining the core dynamic of a working mother, househusband father, teenage daughter, and young son. Scripts for the first five seasons were direct translations adapted from the English originals. Kees & Co ran for eight seasons from 1997 to 2006, producing 91 episodes, and proved highly popular, drawing strong viewership ratings and becoming a staple of Dutch . In September 2018, RTL announced a revival, leading to two additional seasons in 2019 and 2020 on Videoland and , adding 20 more episodes for a total of 111. The revival maintained the established format while updating storylines to reflect contemporary family issues, further extending its run beyond the original British series' eight seasons from 1991 to 1999. The adaptation's success is attributed to its relatable portrayal of family chaos, with Kleinsma's performance earning praise for blending sharp wit and warmth, and it is often credited for drawing inspiration directly from 2point4 Children. No official remakes of 2point4 Children have been produced or other countries.

Home Media Releases

The first three series of 2point4 Children were officially released on DVD in Region 2 format by Eureka Video between 2005 and 2008, with Series 1 available from 24 January 2005, Series 2 from 7 August 2006, and Series 3 from 28 July 2008. A complete compiling these three series was also issued in 2008. No official DVD releases for Series 4 through 8 have been made, attributed to ongoing rights complications following the death of lead actor in 2000, leaving fans reliant on unofficial compilations for the full run. In the , the series saw limited VHS distribution in the UK, beginning with a 1993 release by Enterprises Ltd featuring early episodes, followed by a 1996 reissue by Video that included compilations such as on 26 February 1996. These tapes covered select episodes from the initial seasons but did not encompass the entire series. No official Blu-ray or 4K UHD editions have been produced to date. For digital access, all eight series and five Christmas specials are available on and UKTV Play as of November 2025, offering complete streaming options for UK viewers. The full series joined in March 2022 as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations, providing free access to all 56 episodes and specials for domestic audiences.

References

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