Starlings

Oh dear, another case of miscategorisation. Yet another TV series where the genre of the programme is misclassified at the online viewer.

This is NOT a sitcom (as the viewer website states). It is not even a comedy drama. It is instead a lightweight feelgood drama with comedic elements.

I was expecting a fun series. Which is what a comedy offers. Instead I was shown a drama with a lot of touching moments, but little to actually laugh at.

Comedy is escapism, and is largely designed to make the viewer laugh. This programme is neither an escape from reality, nor can be said in any way to be largely comedic.

What it reminds me of is so many lightweight likeable dramas of the 1990s, set is a community/village/etc where everyone is part of a pseudo-family. This lot of characters ARE an actual family, but the 'extended family' feel is still there, as there are a lot of relatives living in the same building. Nothing wrong with that type of feelgood drama, but that's not the kind of programme I signed up for.

So I am switching off after only episode 2 of the 1st series.

I don't think I can really rate the programme at IMDb with any stars, as it is not what I was led to believe. So, as I was in the mindset to laugh at an enjoyable comedy, cannot rate something that DIDN'T make me laugh.

This incorrect classification is a growing flaw at online viewers, where miscategorisation abounds. I do wish online players would learn how to correctly categorise their TV series and films. It now occurs at loads of Web viewers. I am tired of seeing chillers labelled as thrillers, fantasies as sci-fi, horrors as action, and programmes such as this misdescribed as a comedy! . . .

Shame, because I love Matt King in so many programmes. And as he co-wrote this - plus acts in it - I was expecting more than just one giggle per episode.

I started to watch this as it had a good main cast and seemed a good storyline. BUT. How can you say it is a story of a working class family. Only one member of the family actually works and they seem, in a time of financial hardship, to be able to support around 6 other people who not only don't work in a job but, apart from mother, do no work at all around the house. How Dad, who apparently only had 3 jobs (at minimum earning power) in a month pays mortgage, council tax, gas, electric, water and food bills is beyond me. Where has Gravy got all the money to buy expensive fish, reptiles etc and expensive gaming equipment while being waited on hand and foot by mother. I like fantasy and nice family Sunday viewing with the rest of them but as this is supposed to be taking place in England not Westeros I do expect some grounding in reality.

I found this series delightful and humorous. The whole family could watch. Was very disappointed that it ended too soon.

Starlings is still my go-to series for a pick-me-up. I have been an avid Brendan Coyle fan for years, enjoying his broad range of acting skills, but I believe his role here as Terry Starling is my favorite. Everything else about the show is perfect as well--the writing, casting, acting, and understated humor. Anyone of any age can enjoy it as there is nothing too vulgar, which seems to be rare these days. The theme is genuine affection and humor in this diverse extended family, without being overly sentimental. This series ended far too soon for whatever unknown reason. There should have at least been a reunion of some sort.

With the exception of the needlessly vindictive Bell, all the characters are likable from the very first scene. Everyone will have their own favourites, for me - Gravy, Fergie & Loz. The relationship between the latter two (played by the writers) is sweet and builds nicely. They're a brilliant odd couple. I was disappointed when they were separated for one episode & sometimes Gravy has been almost forgotten. (Always a danger with a large cast.) The humour is gentle, sometimes original, and there is a lot of warmth. There are a couple of weak episodes, but as a whole the series is highly enjoyable and you'll want to spend time with this family.