Beautiful Piece of Art

Bob Odenkirk praised the sitcom, “The Royle Family“, saying it’s a must-watch. Known for his unconventional career path in Hollywood, Odenkirk began as a writer for Saturday Night Live and moved on to various sketch comedies, acting and writing in them. Initially, it appeared he would be a comedian throughout his career, taking on minor roles in comedic shows like “Arrested Development“, “How I Met Your Mother“, and “The Cable Guy“. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he was cast in “Breaking Bad” in 2009, which significantly altered his career trajectory.

Currently, Bob Odenkirk is a versatile and highly sought-after actor, known for his own series, “Better Call Saul,” action movies like “Nobody,” and numerous dramas such as “The People’s Joker.” His career is certainly worth exploring and he is a seasoned creative with a wealth of experience. The journey from sketch comedy to Emmy-winning roles isn’t common, making his accomplishments noteworthy. Given his recommendations, it’s wise to check out the shows he suggests, as we can trust his taste, especially since his latest recommendation happens to be a sitcom.

One Of Bob Odenkirk’s Biggest Inspirations Is The Royle Family

Odenkirk Has Watched The Series Multiple Times

According to Bob Odenkirk, “The Royle Family” is his all-time favorite television sitcom, and he expressed his affection for this British comedy series in an article published for Variety’s special issue titled “100 Greatest Television Shows of All Time.” In the piece, Odenkirk shared his sentiments about the show.

Television often offers comfort in an unnatural, contrived manner, and it’s understandable that people embrace this comfort. However, ‘The Royle Family’ stands out as more thought-provoking. There is genuine emotion portrayed here. This series is a masterpiece of art, as intricate and impactful as films such as ‘Ordinary People’ or ‘The Graduate.’

He further elaborated on the central Royle family, stating, “It portrays a family dynamics that is painfully flawed and appalling, yet somehow comforting and, in its own way, affectionate.” This might seem unusual for a sitcom family, but Odenkirk explains how this authentic family dynamic provided support during difficult periods in his personal life. He commented that it had helped him and his family to cope, if not conquer, their own challenging situations.

When my son turned 12, our family was facing some tough times. To lighten the mood, I introduced him to ‘The Royle Family.’ For a 12-year-old boy from L.A., this show was both amusing and soothing. It portrayed a family that subtly accommodated their hurts but never let them tear them apart. This was baffling yet beautiful at the same time. Since our initial viewing, I’ve rewatched it twice, and we recently started watching it again a few weeks ago.

This program holds significant importance for him, as it played a crucial role in his joy and stability during a challenging period in his family’s life.

The Royle Family Only Ran For 25 Episodes, But It Was Enough To Make History

The Series Is Considered One Of The Best British Sitcoms

If you’re not familiar with “The Royle Family,” it might be because the show was only broadcast for three seasons from 1998 to 2000, although five special episodes were produced between 2006 and 2012, resulting in a total of 25 episodes. Set in Manchester, this series follows the life of the working-class Royle family, headed by Jim (Ricky Tomlinson), Barbara (Sue Johnston), their daughter Denise (Caroline Aherne), son Antony (Ralf Little), and Denise’s fiancé David (Craig Cash). The Royles faced the everyday challenges that life presented to them.

In Bob Odenkirk’s words, the private lives of the Royles can be filled with stress, but they never allow their concerns or past hurts to dictate their behaviors. The show has garnered numerous BAFTA nominations and awards, and is often hailed as one of the best British TV series ever produced. Tomlinson’s performance as the bitter, grumpy, hot-headed Jim Royle stands out among sitcom legends, especially in the realm of sitcom patriarchs. It’s intelligent, authentic, side-splittingly funny, and surprisingly heartwarming.

Every Sitcom Fan Should Watch The Royle Family

The Royle Family Is A Realistic Look At A Dysfunctional Family

Everybody should give “The Royle Family” a watch, and perhaps revisit it like Bob Odenkirk did. One reason for this is that the series consists of just 25 episodes, with most of them being shorter than half an hour. In fact, if you’re determined, you could finish the entire series in two weeks. However, what truly makes “The Royle Family” worth watching goes beyond its accessibility. This show offers a comforting depiction of discomfort, as the characters don’t always resolve their issues by the end of each episode, but rather learn to accept them.

1. Life frequently unfolds in this manner, and it’s heartwarming and relatable to witness such authenticity portrayed on-screen.
2. The special episodes aired between 2006 and 2012 provide a satisfying resolution to the series, ensuring viewers won’t have any regrets about investing in something that might not be finished.
3. The Royle Family is endearing, comical, genuine, and features outstanding performances. It’s no surprise that Bob Odenkirk holds this show in high esteem.

2025-05-18 04:08