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2point4 Children
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| 2point4 Children | |
|---|---|
Title card, used for Series 8. | |
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | Andrew Marshall |
| Written by | Andrew Marshall |
| Directed by | Richard Boden (Series 1-5) Nick Wood (Series 6-7) Dewi Humphreys (Series 8) |
| Starring |
|
| Theme music composer | Howard Goodall[1] |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 8 |
| No. of episodes | 56 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer | Richard Boden |
| Camera setup | Video; Multiple camera |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company | BBC Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 3 September 1991 – 30 December 1999 |
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
[edit]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
[edit]Main characters
[edit]- Belinda Lang as Wilhelmina "Bill" Porter
- Gary Olsen as Ben Porter
- Clare Woodgate (series 1 and 2) and Clare Buckfield (series 3 onward) as Jenny Porter
- John Pickard as David Porter
- Julia Hills as Rona Harris
- Kim Benson as Christine Atkins
Supporting characters
[edit]- 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
[edit]- Annette Badland as Dawn
- Ed Bishop as Chet
- Owen Brenman as a yuppy
- Dominic Brunt as a petrol station attendant
- Patsy Byrne as Peggy
- Peter Cartwright as an auctioneer
- Mark Charnock as Duane
- Nathan Constance
- Windsor Davies as Uncle Lon, Ben's uncle
- Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Maureen
- Richard Durden as John Crudaal
- Idris Elba as a parachute instructor
- Jeremy Hawk as Fletcher
- Don Henderson as Frank Porter, Ben and Tina's father
- David Kelly as Paddy
- James Lance as Keith
- Stephen Lewis as a driving instructor
- Victor McGuire as Doctor Brook
- Ursula Mohan as a market researcher
- Deborah Norton as Martha Christie
- Julie Peasgood as Pauline
- Anneka Rice as herself
- Michael Troughton as Mr Barstow
- Nina Wadia as Sharma
- Danny Webb as Malcolm
- Tessa Wyatt as Carol
Episodes
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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 |
|
| 2point4 children – The Complete Series One | DVD | 24 January 2005[13] |
|
| 2point4 children – The Complete Series Two | DVD | 25 April 2005 |
|
| 2point4 children – The Complete Series Three | DVD | 22 August 2005 |
|
| 2point4 children – Series One to Three | DVD | 22 September 2008 |
|
Remake
[edit]| Kees & Co | |
|---|---|
Set for the 2019 revival. | |
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Based on | 2point4 Children by Andrew Marshall |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Composers |
|
| Country of origin | Netherlands |
| Original language | Dutch |
| No. of seasons | 10 |
| No. of episodes | 111 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 22-25 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | RTL 4 |
| Release | 20 September 1997 – 25 May 2006 |
| Release | 30 March 2019 – 4 April 2020 |
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
[edit]- ^ "Howard Goodall – big bangs for television". mfiles. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
- ^ "BBC - Comedy Guide - 2 Point 4 Children". 5 December 2004. Archived from the original on 5 December 2004.
- ^ "Whatever happened to 2 Point 4 Children". Office of National Statistics.
- ^ Bettridge, Daniel (21 May 2012). "Six to watch: TV's best parents". The Guardian.
- ^ "Top 30 Programmes". BARB. 9 February 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
- ^ "Sitcom star Olsen dies". BBC News. 13 September 2000.
- ^ Leyfield, James (11 August 2016). "The Tragic Story Behind 2Point4 Children – One Of Britain's Most Underrated Sitcoms". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
- ^ "REVIEW / Ordinary situations make for ordinary comedy". The Independent. Archived from the original on 20 January 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ "Watch this". The Guardian. 16 November 1999. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ "Top 50 British TV sitcoms". comedy.co.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "BritBox December 2021 Highlights".
- ^ "More classic box sets than ever before on BBC iPlayer to mark the BBC's centenary year". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ "2 Point 4 Children - The Complete Series One". comedy.co.uk. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ "Kees & Co". Beeld en Geluid wiki (in Dutch). 19 July 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
- ^ "Komedieserie Kees & Co terug op de buis". Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). 17 September 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
External links
[edit]- 2point4 Children at BBC Online
- 2point4 Children at BBC Online Comedy Guide
- 2point4 Children at British Comedy Guide
- 2point4 Children at Phill.co.uk Comedy Guide
- 2point4 Children at IMDb
- 2point4 Children at epguides.com
- 2point4 Children at BFI Screenonline
2point4 Children
View on GrokipediaPremise and Production
Premise
2point4 Children is a British sitcom that centres on the Porter family, a working-class household living in Chiswick, London, whose ordinary domestic life is repeatedly disrupted by a series of bizarre and unfortunate events.[3] 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.[1] At the heart of the narrative is the resilience of the family unit, highlighting how they endure misfortune with humour and practicality despite the chaos.[3] The Porter family consists of mother Bill, a level-headed caterer who manages the home front while running her business; father Ben, an immature plumber prone to gadget obsessions and childlike antics; teenage daughter Jenny, who grapples with adolescent issues; and son David, a mischievous schemer whose antics frequently contribute to the household turmoil.[3][4] 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.[1] 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.[3] This mix of relatable mishaps and exaggerated misfortune emphasises themes of endurance and affection in the face of adversity.[2] The title 2point4 Children derives from the 1991 UK census statistic indicating an average of 2.4 children per family, playfully nodding to the Porters' "non-standard" yet typical household size amid their unconventional experiences.[5]Production
2point4 Children was created and written by Andrew Marshall, a British screenwriter known for his earlier satirical work on The New Statesman (1987–1994), which he co-wrote with David Renwick.[3] Marshall developed the series as a family sitcom blending domestic realism with dark humor and surreal elements, drawing from his experience in crafting witty, character-driven comedy.[1][6] The sitcom was produced in-house by the BBC and broadcast on BBC One from 3 September 1991 to 30 December 1999.[2][3] It spanned eight series comprising 56 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes in length, including five Christmas specials integrated into the run.[3][7] 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 Rosemary MacGowan.[3] Filming took place primarily at BBC Television Centre in London for interior scenes, with exterior shots captured on location in Chiswick, west London, including at 142 Duke Road to represent the Porter family home.[8][9] Marshall's scripts emphasized sharp wordplay, physical comedy, and escalating absurd situations, often highlighting the family's chaotic dynamics through layered dialogue and slapstick elements.[10][11] A significant production challenge arose after the series ended, when lead actor Gary Olsen, who played Ben Porter, died of lung cancer in September 2000 at age 42, effectively preventing any potential revival or additional specials.[12] 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.[1]Cast and Characters
Main Characters
The main characters of 2point4 Children are the members of the Porter family, a working-class London 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.[13][4] Bill Porter, portrayed by Belinda Lang, is the pragmatic matriarch and primary voice of reason in the family. Initially employed at a bakery alongside her friend Rona, Bill faces redundancy early in the series, prompting her to co-launch a catering business that becomes a key element of her storyline.[4][3] Her character arc 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.[4][14] Ben Porter, played by Gary Olsen, serves as the bumbling patriarch and plumber whose childish hobbies and failed inventions provide much of the physical comedy. As a plumber by trade, Ben often exhibits juvenile traits that mirror those of his children, leading to recurring gags involving his ineptitude and avoidance of responsibility.[4][3] 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.[4][15] Jenny Porter, the sarcastic teenage daughter, is first played by Clare Woodgate in series 1 and 2, with Clare Buckfield taking over from series 3 onward. Dealing with typical adolescent issues like school 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.[15][13] Her witty retorts and clashes with her parents underscore generational conflicts, positioning her as the voice of youthful cynicism in the household.[4] David Porter, portrayed by John Pickard, is the mischievous younger son whose pranks and obsession with the macabre 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.[4][13] His development culminates in subtle maturity during the series finale, where he demonstrates unexpected empathy toward a foster child, contrasting his earlier prankster persona.[4] 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" family beset by the extraordinary.[4][3]Supporting Characters
Rona Harris, played by Julia Hills, 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 comic relief through her romantic pursuits and supportive yet eccentric role in family dilemmas.[1] 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.[16] Smith also played Bette's twin sister, Aunt Belle, Bill's cantankerous aunt who lives in a tower block and often feuds with her sibling, contributing to comedic arguments and odd predicaments like being locked in her flat.[16][17] 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.[18] Annette Kerr played Dora Grimes, the snotty next-door neighbor who, alongside her husband Leonard, engages in petty rivalries and gossip with the Porters, often sparking disputes over neighborhood issues like their problematic dog Farty.[16][19] 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.[18] 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.[16][18] 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.[16][18] These peripheral characters collectively enhanced the sitcom's portrayal of suburban turmoil by injecting interference and gag setups without deep personal arcs.[1]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.[1] Actor Roger Lloyd Pack, best known for portraying Trigger in Only Fools and Horses, 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 deadpan delivery heightened the competitive banter and physical comedy between the characters.[20][21] In "Whoopee, We're All Going to Die" (series 3, episode 6), Ed Bishop—famous for his voice work as Captain Blue in Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons—appeared as Chet, a bombastic U.S. weather channel presenter whose dire hurricane warnings propel the Porter family's chaotic Florida getaway into farce.[22] Such appearances were scattered throughout the run, appearing more frequently in Christmas 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 comedy.[1]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.[23][24] 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.[4]| Series | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 3 September 1991 | 8 October 1991 |
| 2 | 7 | 2 September 1992 | 14 October 1992 |
| 3 | 6 | 7 September 1993 | 12 October 1993 |
| 4 | 6 | 13 September 1994 | 18 October 1994 |
| 5 | 6 | 2 October 1995 | 6 November 1995 |
| 6 | 7 | 14 November 1996 | 19 December 1996 |
| 7 | 7 | 14 September 1998 | 26 October 1998 |
| 8 | 6 | 16 November 1999 | 30 December 1999 |
