Episode 1
Protest
30m
Henry and Matthew's relationship is strained further when Matthew becomes an animal rights activist.
Where to watch Home to Roost
TV series
Home to Roost
19854 seasons6.5 / 10
Home to Roost is a British television sitcom produced by Yorkshire Television in the 1980s. Written by Eric Chappell, it starred John Thaw as Henry Willows and Reece Dinsdale as his 18-year-old son Matthew. The premise is that Henry Willows is forty-something, who has been divorced from his wife for seven years and is perfectly happy living alone in London. That is, until his youngest child, Matthew arrives to live with him, after being thrown out by his mother. The plots generally revolved around Henry's annoyance at having his solitude disturbed, and the age gap clash. Henry employed two cleaners throughout the show's life; first Enid Thompson, and, in the third season, Fiona Fennell.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Home to Roost premiered April 19, 1985. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Home to Roost is a British television sitcom produced by Yorkshire Television in the 1980s. Written by Eric Chappell, it starred John Thaw as Henry Willows and Reece Dinsdale as his 18-year-old son Matthew. The premise is that Henry Willows is forty-something, who has been divorced from his wife for seven years and is perfectly happy living alone in London. That is, until his youngest child, Matthew arrives to live with him, after being thrown out by his mother. The plots generally revolved around Henry's annoyance at having his solitude disturbed, and the age gap clash. Henry employed two cleaners throughout the show's life; first Enid Thompson, and, in the third season, Fiona Fennell.
Season 2 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Open House
30m
Henry comes home to find the house full of Matthew's friends—more of an orgy than a party, says Henry—but rather than throw them all out, he joins in with hilarious results.
Episode credits
Directed by David ReynoldsWritten by Eric ChappellGuest stars John Rowe, Jean Rimmer, Julia Gilbert
Episode 3
Plastic Dreamworld
30m
Matthew inherits a large sum of money, but finds it impossible to hold on to. Matthew opens a bank account, but how long can he withstand the temptation of ATMs and credit cards?
Episode credits
Directed by David ReynoldsWritten by Eric ChappellGuest stars Charles Kay, Erika Hoffman
Episode 4
Acting Out
30m
Henry is stunned to find Matthew wearing makeup, and even more stunned when he finds out Matthew wants to become an actor. Matthew has joined the college drama group to play Othello, with a married woman as his Desdemona. Henry is horrified at the result.
Episode credits
Directed by David ReynoldsWritten by Eric ChappellGuest stars Deborah Norton
Episode 5
The Test
30m
Henry suffers every father's nightmare—teaching his son to drive. Inevitably, Henry's pristine new car begins to show signs of stress.
Episode credits
Directed by David ReynoldsWritten by Eric ChappellGuest stars Ken Campbell, Keith Smith, John Jardine
Episode 6
Any Questions?
30m
Prospective candidate Henry is opposed by an attractive woman in the election, creating a quandary for first-time voter Matthew.
Episode credits
Directed by David ReynoldsWritten by Eric ChappellGuest stars Susan Jameson, Reginald Marsh, Hugh Walters
Episode 7
Julie
30mfinale
Matthew's sister Julie decides to stay, but Henry and Matthew soon find that three's a crowd.
Episode credits
Directed by David ReynoldsWritten by Eric ChappellGuest stars Rebecca Lacey
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
What to watch instead
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More about Home to Roost
Cast
Reece DinsdaleMatthew Willows
Elizabeth BennettMrs. Thompson
John ThawHenry Willows
Clare CliffordHarriet
Frank MillsJob Centre Assistant
Sheila HancockSue
Charles KayMr Padbury
Erika HoffmanAprilCredits
- Created by
- Eric Chappell
- Written by
- Eric Chappell
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 28
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ITV1United Kingdom
Themes
fatherhousemaidsitcomteenage son