Outnumbered on BBC One review: a welcome return to form for the chaotic Brockmans

This year’s holiday lineup shows just how unique Outnumbered is, as it stands out as the more alternative choice among the BBC's Christmas programming. Other popular options include Gavin and Stacey, Doctor Who, and Wallace and Gromit.

However, let's take a moment to appreciate the comeback of this cherished show from the early 2000s, making its way back to our screens for the first time since 2016. This revival has thrilled its dedicated fans, as spending time with the Brockman family continues to be a worthwhile experience.

Writers Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, aware that they are primarily connecting with loyal fans rather than newcomers, have the freedom to take creative liberties in their own show. Surprisingly, they opt for a minimalist approach. Sue and Pete, played by Skinner and Dennis—who actually became a couple in real life after meeting on set—have chosen to simplify their lives and are hosting a Christmas lunch for their three adult children, all in their twenties.

Every scene is filmed in and around the kitchen, living room, or garden of the house. Once again, the dialogue remains central to the show, and whether it’s still largely improvised like it used to be or more strictly written, it's always clever, pointed, and clever.

Tyger Drew-Honey (Jake), Daniel Roche (Ben), and Ramona Marquez (Karen – there's an obvious joke about her name relating to 2024) were just 12, seven, and five when the series kicked off. We don't learn much about what they've been doing since then, but it’s clear they’re all experiencing some sort of quarter-life crisis, whether it’s related to jobs, their personal lives, or, in Jake's situation, becoming a parent. He questions his own childhood by asking his parents, “Was I this difficult?”

The three characters continue to interact and play off one another in a believable way, even though for Roche and Marquez, this marks their return to acting after a break. They are occasionally joined by Sue’s demanding friend Jane (Hattie Morahan), Jake’s partner Rani (Kerena Jagpal), and their child Zara (Aurora Skarli), adding to the already noisy and tumultuous atmosphere of the household.

Similar to the earlier days of Outnumbered, the characters' lives unfold outside of our view, and we only get glimpses of them through bits of gossip. This creates an atmosphere where it feels like there isn't a central storyline to follow. However, there is a moment when Pete has some news about his health that he’s delaying sharing with his family, which takes the closing moments of the show into a rather somber and courageous place.

The series also captures a familiar feeling of frustration: the Brockmans, who often don’t take the initiative, stick to their pattern of not addressing a pressing and worsening situation – this time concerning the preparation of lunch.

It's a tough experience to sit through. The humor tends to be quite dark. There's no feel-good conclusion, and it definitely won’t make you eager to start a family or embrace your loved ones in a sincere way.

It’s possible that this was never destined to be the leading holiday special, but it still holds enough nostalgic appeal to make you think about watching it again. While you might not be yearning for a new series, there’s definitely something that draws you in.

The 2024 Christmas Special of Outnumbered is available on BBC One and iPlayer.