The Royle Family: Season 2

Where have I been not to find out about this great show until now? This minimalist, keenly observed comedy is terrific precisely due to the fact that it's "not for everyone". And in addition to being so distinct in its production technique (we are nearly always voyeurs of a confined sitting room whose cramped quarters call to mind the claustrophobic "visits to mum" by the Krays), here we have something even more unique. The writing is always working on at least three levels: the humor that the characters share with each other; the humor the characters don't recognize themselves that is delivered solely to the viewer; and the often subtle and wry interplay between the character dialogue and whatever happens to be playing on the ever present television, the television that implicitly controls the sitting room and by extension, large chunks of the characters' lives.Not to mention the now nagging certainty that we are often watching ourselves watching television.As casual as the enterprise may seem, the acting is immaculately detailed, especially given the intimate scale of the program. The writers, cast and directors must be given credit for invoking such a genuine sense of place and character. Like the excellent character work in "Saxondale" and the even more cramped quarters of the monologue-driven, short-form "Marion & Geoff" (thanks in all cases, including TRF, to the talent of Henry Normal), "The Royle Family" is more innovative than it first appears, letting you laugh in unexpected ways. Even at the typestyle used for the credits -- it's called "Windsor".

this show is quiet, and funny. it has subtle humor and is a little hard for this American to understand the vernacular, but it is familiar to all families who spend a lot of time in front of the tv. it is not a fantasy comedy it is realistic and everyone can appreciate a struggling family. it takes putting the sound up to hear the lines of the British accents, but after watching so much British telly, I have been able to pick up the jokes and jabs. not for a first time look at British comedy. you have too be well seasoned to appreciate this one.

I don't know if most Americans will find this show funny but I found it very realistic and reminds me of some people I know. The phrasing may make it difficult, I recommend you have the sub-titles on. It's just about a family who spend their lives on the couch staring at the T.V. The conversation between stares is where the fun comes in. All are the laziest folks you'll meet, but through the insults its a family that sticks together, gathered around the old telly. Wish there were more seasons!

Great show, but this disc wouldn’t run properly on my player. I don’t know if I was just unlucky or if there’s an issue with all of these discs...

My Mother is from England. We had seen this show while there and she wanted the DVD, so I bought it for her. We loved it. Good service thru seller, no issues.

As an American growing up in the south I was suprised by how similar some words are pronounced in parts of England and here. This show is like watching family members I have known and friends. I love it, it it great. the characters are human, flawed and real, unlike American tv where they are fake. Love British televsion, 100x better than our sad imitation

I absolutely loved the first season of this show and was very excited to see the second season; however, this disc will not play in my DVD players. I’m in The States, and the Amazon listing and the DVD box say Region 1, but the disc is not recognized by my players. It’s either a defective disc, or its a Region 2 DVD.

I have been a fan of British comedy for years, and I believe this is one of the best. This comedy has successed in doing what American television rarely does---making real people. These people are neither all pretty nor rich. I have purchased seasons 1 and 2, but I cannot figure out why number 3 has not been offered. This is a big disappointment.

Again not disapointed with our home grown comedy.The royle family is a typical look inside the homes of most Brit families and i have to say that most people out there know a family just like them.I laughed and shook my head at some of the comments and knowing looks in the royle house hold and found myself smarting with embarrasment as i found myself transported back to my own experiences on the settie in front of the box with familiy and friends just like the royles LOL.Nana played by liz smith is tops in her role as the mother inlaw of jim royle and made me laugh constantly specialy when in the Christmas episode she comments on how she likes the big girl that plays the vicar of dibley ironicaly as shes a star in the same series.Also jim royle played by Ricky tomlinson who in my opinion is fantastic in his role as the loud mouthed lazy negative father and know it all which to my shame is me to a tee LOL.Anyway well worth buying and i will be buying the 3rd series.And great to see granada including the christmas episode instead of pulling the old trick of making you buy the christmas episode seperately as many of them do.Once again fantastic work from my friends at Amazon UK who i give 10 stars out of 5 for their promt and fast service to the USA as usual that just keeps me buying and buying.Well done Amazon ...

Awww my favourite series! Doesn't matter how many times I watch this I alway laugh at it.

As per TV series - observant, almost mundane situations reveal humour in this out of the ordinary situation comedy - fun identifying members of the family nearest to the characters.

Got to be one of the greatest sitcoms of all time,up there with porridge, only fools and horses, Sargent Bilko and black adder.They don't make them like this anymore!

The Royle Family at its best with Jim in his chair moaning and wynding up Nana . A must have .