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
Baby David finally arrives at the Royle's House, dressed from head to toe in the 'latest Gear', that is obviously Manchester slang for complete tack, but it seems that Denise is taking a back seat and letting Dave do all the work, will it continue?
Directed by Caroline AherneWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline AherneGuest stars Andrew Whyment
Episode 2
The Royles decide that it's time for a pint, but who will be left babysitting?
Directed by Caroline AherneWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline AherneGuest stars Doreen Keogh, Peter Martin
Episode 3
Twiggy and Jim are redecorating the dining room for the Christening, but because Jim is so tight they don't have a steamer. The pair, and later Dave, use kitchen utensils to remove the wallpaper, whilst Dancing to Mambo No. 5! They don't get very far ...
Directed by Caroline AherneWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline AherneGuest stars Jessica Hynes, Andrew Whyment, Geoffrey Hughes
Episode 4
Nana's dear old neighbour Elsie dies, and today is the funeral. It's full of the usual admiration of her house, and Nana has also been taking stuff from Elsie's since she has passed on, so Jim gets one back for her! Nana is also hinting that she wants to move in: "I would never ever think of asking you to let me stay here, but well that back bedroom is free now!"
Directed by Caroline AherneWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline AherneGuest stars Liz Smith, Jessica Hynes
Episode 5
Antony declares that he and Darren, the managers of their band 'Exit', are going to London to find a record deal, of course they get the usual barrage of insults from Jim and Dave, and Nana makes a small contribution to the fund!
Directed by Caroline AherneWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline AherneGuest stars Liz Smith
Episode 6
The day of the christening is finally here, but the decorating is still not finished in the background. Everyone is there for a buffet, including Twiggy's 'bird'.
Directed by Caroline AherneWritten by Craig Cash, Caroline AherneGuest stars Liz Smith, Jessica Hynes, Andrew Whyment, Geoffrey Hughes, Doreen Keogh, Peter Martin, Sheridan Smith
Episode 7
Baby David's first birthday comes around and the Royles sit down as they did last Christmas. This time they are joined by Darren and Emma, including her parents. Emma's father, Roger can't seem to stop boasting which annoys Jim. When they leave, an unhappy and mad Jim gets the best present of them all.
Directed by Caroline AherneGuest stars Liz Smith, Andrew Whyment, Sharon Duce, John Henshaw, Sheridan 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
