Statistically, the Porters may just be an ordinary family. But there's nothing average about this razor-sharp comedy, an endearingly demented portrait of modern family life by Andrew Marshall, writer of the Emmy-winning Alexei Sayle's Stuff.

Head of the household is Ben, a dedicated central-heating engineer and easy-going husband and father. His idea of helping in the house is to change TV channels, provided the remote control is within easy reach.

Mainstay of the household is Bill, a full-time working wife and mother. In the few odd moments she gets time to think, she wonders whether life would be better if she were more like her long-time friend Rona, who has had more men than Imelda Marcos has had shoes.

Daughter Jenny is a typical teenager, into boyfriends, pop music and vegetarianism. Last, but not least, there's David, the youngest member of the family - and a chip off the old block.

As Bill and Ben struggle with the demands of modern life, their offspring rush headlong through adolescence, increasingly embarrassed by their parents' chaotic lifestyle.

First released: Sunday 21st August 2005