Tried to find some great decent shows about family but just ended up with tons of shitty sitcoms like 'My Family' which was just awful. So, turned to violent, mad and strange families, plus the Bluths.
Arrested Development
The Bluths have had a interesting time on screen, having been the ultimate dysfunctional wealthy family gone poor-ish and each character has their quirks but doesn't feel forced. AD was a cult hit, praised by critics and the faithful followers as well as award winning but became 'popular' too late as the show was cancelled after quite few hilarious cliffhangers. The show was then saved by Netflix to bring a newly structured show that was funny but not quite like the good old days. The show was know for its quotes, chicken dances, bizarre family spirit and jokes that paid off sometimes a few episodes later, but most of all its the original styled comedy. With AD we wouldn't have shows like Modern Family for instance. AD is waaaay better.
Gormenghast
Back in 2000, my family used to watch VHS tapes and record onto them when we didn't want to miss a programme. We loved all the period dramas, sci-fi films, adaptations and weird children's shows. When Gormenghast, a four part mini series, adapting the first two books of the same named trilogy by Mervyn Peake were to be on TV, my mum and aunty (long time fans of the author and books) were super excited. I too became obsessed with the story and characters. Gormenghast is the name of a large castle, think the size of a small city, where everyone functions within it. The Groan family are like royalty and everyone else is a servant of some sort. When Titus Groan is born, is destined to be the 77th Earl of Groan, but as he grows older he seeks more than what is inside the vast castle. As the same time a kitchen boy runaway, Steerpike, climbs the social ladder through any means necessary, whether its arson, seduction, lies or murder. The story is like nothing else.
The Borgias
Named 'the original crime family' they certainly have a reputation. I stuck with thie bloody Italian Vatican political slash historical drama with a mixed bag cast of stablished British actors, Jeremy Irons taking the centre role, with new British talent (not well known-ish), Canadians and Europeans. When Rodrigo Borgia becomes Pope Alexander VI, his family, become infamous characters in history for their crimes, violence and extravgance. I watched the first two seasons and thought it was cancelled, had no idea there was a third season as well as fan petition to bring it back!
Don't forget to check out where it all started over at
