When it comes to warm, affirmative, slightly twee dramas, Sky1 has got our backs. But if you're after something a little more adventurous, it's the last place you'd look. Written by Steve Edge and Matt 'Super Hans' King, Starlings is a living, breathing family homily. On the basis of this opening episode, we suspect it will trade in muted domestic dramas with broadly uplifting conclusions - a new baby prompts some upheaval; Dad has health problems and a little debt; a son struggles for direction in life. If you enjoyed The Café - a similarly minor Sky1 pleasure - this may be up your street. And the cast, which includes Lesley Sharp, Brendan Coyle and King himself, are solid, likeable troupers. But there's a thin line between sweet and sickly, and Starlings wanders dangerously close to it.

Starlings review

Bouncy characters and some carefully observed comic moments make this a top Sunday watch, but it is the beating heart at the core of this family drama which makes it shine.

It's the sense of normality that is most striking as we meet the family at the heart of this gentle new comedy drama, executive produced by Steve Coogan. Set in Derbyshire, it follows the cramped lives of electrician Terry (Brendan Coyle), wife Jan (Lesley Sharp), their three children and Grandad (Alan Williams). The pilot begins with daughter Bell (Rebecca Night) giving birth at home.

A quick chat with Lesley Sharp

Scott & Bailey's Lesley Sharp talks about her role in the new Sky1 comedy drama Starlings...

Brendan Coyle interview

Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle appears in Starlings, a soft-centred comedy-drama about four generations of one family living under one chaotic roof. He plays father-of-three Terry Starling...

If you're on the lookout for a heart-warming family drama, then Starlings could be just the thing for you. A strong cast of familiar faces - Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle, Scott & Bailey's Lesley Sharp and more - breathe life into the Starlings, a loveable working-class clan. Believe it or not, this gentle series was created by none other than Matt King - Peep Show's Super Hans - along with writing partner Steve Edge, and Steve Coogan is also on board as a producer, so there's a strong pedigree behind the show. Starlings is perfect viewing for a sleepy Sunday evening.

Steve Coogan & Matt King unite for Starlings

We've bagged two of the UK's funniest men for a brand new Sky1 HD family comedy...

Steve Coogan produces new Sky1 family sitcom Starlings

Steve Coogan and Henry Normal will produce new Sky1 family sitcom The Starlings.