A recent BBC programme asked several celebrities why they liked so much the hit comedy “The Royal Family”. These are some of the reasons why it is such a popular programme.
Firstly we can identify with the characters. Everybody knows a Darren, a Lazy Father who complains about wasting electricity. Even if not wholly we can also see part of ourselves in the characters. It is like a mirror comedy. It is funny because it is an exaggerated sense of reality but at the same time very close to the actual experience.
Because of the way it is filmed there seems to be nothing artificial, it is like watching a real family. There is no attempt to develop gags or create jokes. It is just funny seeing real life. The Royale Family is quite comfortable with periods of silence; this is quite rare in a tv programme. This adds to the realism of the programme making it appear more realistic when elements of genuine comedy appear.
Every character has their particular flaw and we can laugh as they act exactly as we expect. A great example is Denise, perhaps the laziest mother she is so often criticising others, especially her younger brother for being lazy. It seems ironic that she is criticising others. Here we are perhaps laughing at her.
Despite the endless backbiting and arguments there is a sense that this is a functioning family with real love. This displays itself at certain times and in particular episodes. Even Jim who at times appears to hate Nanna offers most generous and sincere words when she passes away.
The programme deals with criminality in a way that is rarely seen on TV. There is a casual acceptance of soft crime. For example there is an episode where Darren is asked how many times he has been to a young offenders institute.
“3 times.”
“and has this taught you anything Darren?”
“Yeah”
“And whats that Darren?”
“Don’t get caught” (general laughter)
One of the strongest characters is Jim Royle most of the time he is quite grumpy. He can get very worked up about seemingly insignificant things. He is also the archetypal tight northener.
Denise (on Jim’s birthday cake) – “Come on Dad! Blow it out!”
Jim – “I will buggery! There’s five minutes left in that – save on the lecky.”
Jim gets so worked up it is very funny. But his character is not just about being miserable and grumpy with numerous bad habits. Quite often we see him scratching in places a real member of the Royal Family would never do in public.. Occasionally we see glimpses of his comedy talent and musical capacities. He can also display touches of genuine emotion, this is particularly touching because it appears so out of character.
Life in the Royal Family often revolves around the TV; we see a marvellous episode where the family get really excited about an edition of Antiques Roadshow. This seems unexpected because it is perhaps not a programme you would expect the Royle family to view. Another episode I like is when Anthony’s girlfriend comes to visit and tries to explain she’s a vegetarian. “O, so its ok to eat chicken then?” – no I don’t eat chicken. What about a bit of tuna? – no its ok thanks
Richard is an economics teacher in Oxford and is a meditation student of Sri Chinmoy Richard has collected many funny quotes and has a blog about the best funny videos.