TV series
The Royle Family is a British sitcom created by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash, and produced by Granada Television for BBC Two (series 1) and BBC One (series 2 and 3). It centres on the lives of a television-fixated Manchester family, the Royles, comprising lazy patriarch Jim, his hard-working wife Barbara, their entitled daughter Denise, their put-upon son Antony, and Denise's lad fiancé–later husband–David.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Royle Family is available to stream on Britbox, Britbox (Via Amazon Prime), Prime Video, and Amazon Freevee in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The Royle Family is a British sitcom created by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash, and produced by Granada Television for BBC Two (series 1) and BBC One (series 2 and 3). It centres on the lives of a television-fixated Manchester family, the Royles, comprising lazy patriarch Jim, his hard-working wife Barbara, their entitled daughter Denise, their put-upon son Antony, and Denise's lad fiancé–later husband–David.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Denise announces that she's pregnant. Jim thinks that Antony may be a "gay boy".
Directed by Steve BendelackWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Carmel MorganGuest stars Jessica Hynes, Doreen Keogh, Peter Martin
Episode 2
Nana and Twiggy come round for Sunday dinner. Barbara loses her temper during lunch. She's feeling the onset of "the change".
Directed by Steve BendelackWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Carmel MorganGuest stars Liz Smith, Geoffrey Hughes
Episode 3
Jim isn't best pleased when he learns that Barbara has invited Nana to come and stay with the Royles after her cataract operation. Antony announces that he's become the manager of a band called 'Exit'.
Directed by Steve BendelackWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Carmel Morgan
Episode 4
Nana has had her cataract operation, so she comes to stay with the Royles. Jim is even less pleased now that she's arrived. Antony's band has split up.
Directed by Steve BendelackWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Carmel MorganGuest stars Liz Smith, Jessica Hynes
Episode 5
Barbara loses patience with Jim and storms out of the house. Jim tries to show that he's concerned about Barbara by offering to make her a cup of tea!
Directed by Steve BendelackWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Carmel Morgan
Episode 6
It's Antony's 18th birthday and the Royles are planning a family party. They finally get to meet Antony's girlfriend Emma.
Directed by Steve BendelackWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Carmel MorganGuest stars Liz Smith, Jessica Hynes, Andrew Whyment, Geoffrey Hughes, Doreen Keogh, Peter Martin, Sheridan Smith
Episode 7
It's Christmas Day. The family have just finished a big Christmas dinner. Barbara learns her turkey wasn't up to scratch, and Dave buys Denise a mobile phone for when the baby is born, even though she uses it to call Barbara on the house phone from upstairs! Antony goes to Emma's shortly afterwards, and Dave takes Nana home. Soon after Dave and Nana have left, Denise goes into labour upstairs in the bathroom, and Jim is left to comfort her. Denise reveals the baby isn't due until 3 weeks. Will the baby and Denise be alright?
Directed by Mark Mylod, Steve BendelackWritten by Carmel MorganGuest stars Liz Smith
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Ricky TomlinsonJim Royle
Sue JohnstonBarbara Royle
Caroline AherneDenise Royle
Craig CashDave Best
Ralf LittleAntony Royle
Liz SmithNorma 'Nana' Speakman
Jessica HynesCheryl Carroll
Andrew WhymentDarren Sinclair-Jones
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBC TwoUnited Kingdom
Granada TelevisionUnited Kingdom
