The portrayal of families in television series offers a fascinating glimpse into the varied and intricate dynamics that define our closest relationships. From the lavish lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy to the down-to-earth struggles of more typical households, family-centred TV shows explore themes of love, conflict, loyalty, and redemption.
These series entertain and provide viewers with perspectives on how families navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its triumphs. Whether draped in drama, infused with comedy, or tinged with the supernatural, these shows captivate audiences by reflecting the complexities of familial bonds in both realistic and exaggerated ways.
The most famous families on the small screen
Television families have evolved significantly over the years and showcase the diverse spectrum of family dynamics. Iconic families like the affluent and tumultuous Sopranos, the relentlessly challenging lives of the Gallaghers in ‘Shameless’, and the noble yet conflicted Targaryens in ‘House of The Dragon’, have each painted unique portraits of family life through a range of TV genres.
These TV families, though varied in time, setting, and circumstance, share the common thread of complex relationships that captivate audiences, inviting viewers into their homes to experience the trials and triumphs that bond them together.
From the super-rich to the dysfunctional, a variety of TV families have captivated, entertained, and devastated audiences through their storylines.
The ultra-wealthy families
The intrigue of television often lies in its portrayal of the ultra-wealthy, whose opulent lifestyles and complex interpersonal dramas provide endless entertainment. Shows focusing on affluent families offer a blend of luxury and conflict, set against the backdrop of business empires and lavish lifestyles, that captivates audiences worldwide.
The Roy Family – ‘Succession‘
‘Succession’ tracks the turbulent lives of the Roy family, owners of a global media empire, as they navigate the murky waters of power and betrayal. Aired on HBO, the 4-season series is a sharp critique of corporate greed and familial loyalty, wrapped in the sumptuous veneer of wealth.
The hit TV show was much talked about on social media as the Roy family intrigued audiences with their drama season after season. Now finished, the riveting series won 19 Primetime Emmys which shows just how much audiences were captivated by the power-hungry Roy children fighting to be named their father’s successor.
The Rose Family – ‘Schitt’s Creek‘
In a delightful contrast to typical portrayals of wealth, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ explores what happens when a formerly wealthy family finds themselves broke, with only a small town left to their name. The Roses – Johnny, Moira, David, and Alexis – must navigate life without their former luxuries, leading to heartwarming and often hilarious situations.
The show aired on CBC in Canada and found international fame on Netflix, stands out for its character development and the genuine growth seen in each family member as they adapt to their new life. The real-life father-son duo of Eugene and Dan Levy, add a layer of authenticity and charm that has endeared the series to fans around the globe.
The Ewings – ‘Dallas‘
‘Dallas’, one of the quintessential shows about wealthy families, originally aired on CBS and captivated viewers with the exploits of the Ewing family, oil barons who are as skilled in business as they are in backstabbing. The series is well-known for one of its infamous cliffhangers ‘Who Shot J.R.?’, which became a cultural phenomenon.
The Ewings’ saga of power, love, and betrayal set the standard for soap operas and remains a benchmark for depicting the lives of the ultra-rich. The show’s portrayal of wealth and power struggles continues to be a reference point for many contemporary series about affluent families.
Best of British families
The portrayal of British families on television provides a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, capturing the essence of British society through various eras and social classes. From toughened gangster families to high-class family status, these shows bring to life the diversity and complexity of British family life.
The Shelbys – ‘Peaky Blinders‘
‘Peaky Blinders’, broadcast by the BBC, immerses viewers in the post-World War I era, focusing on the ambitious Shelby family, who lead a notorious gang in Birmingham. The Shelbys, led by the enigmatic and ruthless Tommy Shelby, use their family ties to expand their influence and control over the city’s underworld and beyond.
The hit show was so successful that fans are hopeful to revisit the Shelbys with a future Peaky Blinders film, with filming set to start later this year. Cillian Murphy is set to return to his role and other cast members have talked about hopes of reprising their roles since finishing the show in 2022.
The series is celebrated for its stylish cinematography, compelling storytelling, and strong performances, particularly by Cillian Murphy. The family’s fierce loyalty and strategic cunning make them a formidable force, highlighting themes of power, betrayal, and redemption that resonate deeply with audiences.
The Durrell Family – ‘The Durrells‘
ITV’s ‘The Durrells’ charmingly recounts the real-life adventures of the Durrell family as they start anew on the Greek island of Corfu during the 1930s. Escaping the dreary British climate, the family, led by the widowed mother Louisa, faces the challenges of adapting to a new environment with humour and resilience.
The show blends light-hearted comedy with touching moments of familial bonding, providing a refreshing look at the trials and joys of starting over. The picturesque setting and the quirky characters they meet along the way add to the series’ appeal, making it a beloved show about family and perseverance.
The Durrell family story was also told in the earlier BBC drama, ‘My Family and Other Animals’, which aired in 1987. Tourists can explore filming locations for both dramas in Corfu, including a 17th-century Venetian manor on the Fundana Estate which featured in the 1987 series. Visitors can even stay at a modern Fundana villa on the same estate as this filming location.
The Crawleys – ‘Downton Abbey‘
In a Channel 4 survey from 2013, the British public revealed that The Crawleys in Downton Abbey were classed in the top 10 favourite TV families to watch. ‘Downton Abbey’, which aired on ITV, offers a glimpse into the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era, exploring the societal changes that shaped the early 20th century. The series is renowned for its exquisite costumes, historical accuracy, and intricate storytelling.
The Crawleys’ experiences reflect significant historical events and shifts in social norms, making it a captivating drama and thoughtful reflection on the impact of those changes on family life. The show’s success lies in its ability to weave personal stories with historical context, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
Netflix Families
Netflix has become a prominent platform for showcasing diverse family dynamics through compelling narratives that span various genres and styles. From supernatural abilities to gothic mysteries, the family-centric series on Netflix offers viewers a mix of the extraordinary and the relatable, making them a mainstay of modern TV watching.
The Hargreeves – ‘Umbrella Academy‘
The ‘Umbrella Academy’ unravels the complex dynamics of the Hargreeves, a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings, each endowed with unique superpowers. After the mysterious death of their eccentric billionaire father, they reunite to unearth family secrets and thwart an impending apocalypse.
The series blends action, mystery, and dark comedy, creating a vibrant tapestry of themes and tones that keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The siblings’ struggle to overcome personal grievances for a greater cause offers a thrilling and heartwarming exploration of what it means to be a family, despite not being blood-related.
The Usher Family – ‘The Fall of the House of Usher‘
Based on the classic works of Edgar Allan Poe, Netflix’s recent series ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ delves into the dark and twisted world of the Usher family. The show explores themes of madness, familial decay, and doomed legacy, set against the backdrop of the family’s eerie mansion.
Creating a family empire of power, wealth, and privilege, Roderick Usher soon discovers the price his family must pay. Creating another captivating Netflix horror, creator Mike Flanagan captivated audiences with a gothic atmosphere and psychological depth and provides a modern twist on Poe’s haunting tales of horror and despair.
Making his name in the horror genre, Mike Flanagan has created standout Netflix horrors over the years including, ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’, and ‘Midnight Mass’. Also creating films as well, Flanagan is currently in talks to direct the new Exorcist movie after his Stephen King adaptation ‘The Life of Chuck’.
The Addams Family – ‘Wednesday‘
‘Wednesday’ offers a fresh perspective on the iconic Addams family through the experiences of their daughter, Wednesday Addams, as she navigates the challenges of Nevermore Academy. This series spotlights Wednesday’s coming-of-age journey, blending mystery, supernatural elements, and the trademark Addams family wit.
Nominated for 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, fans will soon get a Wednesday Season 2 with a returning cast and variety of new guest stars. Joanna Lumley and Thandiwe Newton are expected to guest star as well as ‘Addams Family’ actor Christopher Lloyd.
The show explores themes of identity, belonging, and family legacy, all while maintaining the peculiar charm and macabre humour that fans of the Addams family have come to love. ‘Wednesday’ revitalises the beloved characters by focusing on their interpersonal relationships and the unique challenges they face as a family that delights in the unconventional.
