recommended

Good idea lost in the noise

Am I Missing Something?

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

A brilliant show packed with smart comedy and multiple forms of it too. Relying heavily upon tried and trusted settings and basic tropes the show executed them brilliantly highly recommend a watch

After having the show recommended to me by many people and hearing them talk of Jim and Martin as if they were two of the funniest characters ever created I had high expectations. It turns out the show is without a doubt the worst I've seen with it's humour entertaining only for people under the age of 10. Waste of time.

I have yet to laugh at Friday Night Dinner, and I have watched every episode of every series due to my family liking it, and my friends having commended it to me. I will never trust either of them again, and am, frankly, considering removing them from my life. To enjoy such a predictable and disgustingly bland piece of childishness is a bad reflection on the psyche. The main reason that makes Friday Night Dinner fails for me is the reoccurring theme in each episode, and that is the character of Mark Heap, playing as 'Jim', the wacky and suspicious character next door. Heap has played the same character in everything I've seen him in. It was hilarious in Spaced. It did the job in Green Wing. In Friday Night Dinner, it's a headache and seems incongruous with the rest of the characters. I understand that it's difficult to form a full series with only a small family- but introducing one character who more or less does the same odd behaviours, is not the answer. In general, the comedy is your typical 'family' sort: it's like watching the Simpsons. You don't laugh at it, but it's suitable for the kids, and maybe they'll be entertained by it. If they've not developed full self-awareness yet. The interactions are generally limited. You have the mother and father. The father, Martin, does something unacceptable, and the mother, Jackie, reacts with aggression or frustration. Relatable. Then you have the two brothers, who prank and tease and fight each other as typical brothers do. But the actions are repetitive, and the chemistry is non-existent. If it's supposed to make people with siblings smile, punch each other on the arm and go 'That's us!', it fails. You never get the impression that anybody likes anyone else in the series. It's all superficial.There's much more to discuss, but as this is a comedy series, and on comedy it royally, embarrassingly, irretrievably fails, anyone reading this can be assured that Friday Night Dinner lets down the expectations of well-regarded UK sitcoms (if you can even call it that). As I write, the latest episode is blaring in my ears. I've not once switched the tabs to view the visual plot, but, of course, it will be the same plot as it is in all the other episodes. A true disgrace to the imagination.

Came across this comedy totally by accident, and what a great find it has proved to be. The family dynamic is so reminiscent of most families I know, but this family takes it to a totally new level. The father is by far the star of the show, only for his total ignorance of what the mother is trying to achieve each weekend. With hilarious consequences. The crazy neighbour Jim and his terrifying, yet obviously timid dog, are beyond comedic value. The hand over mouth, and laugh out loud moments Jim is involved with seriously does make him a main character in this show. All in all, this comedy makes you think you've seen all a family get together can produce. Then Friday Night Dinner happens. It is a beautiful show. Well written, well directed, well acted, and well received.