Outnumbered

Locating a hamster under the floorboards is just one among the parental crises tackled by Sue and Pete (Claire Skinner and Hugh Dennis) as they return for a fifth - and final - series of the sitcom that makes a virtue out of being out-manoeuvred by your offspring. The kids are no longer cute youngsters, their barbed teenage backchat more sullen than sparky. Except for the now strapping Ben (Daniel Roche), who has high hopes of landing a part in his school's production of Spartacus: The Musical.

Radio Times review

It's now possible to measure the passage of time not just by how your own children have grown up but by the way the Outnumbered kids have changed. And it's frightening.

Little Karen has started secondary school and is almost unrecognisable with her dark, swishy hairstyle, while 14-year-old Ben is much bigger than older brother Jake, who's got a tattoo, sideburns and is learning to drive. Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner look exactly the same, though.

It's gently entertaining but somehow the cheeky dialogue that made us laugh when delivered by cute yet precocious children back in 2007 doesn't sound so funny coming from teenagers.

Gallery - Outnumbered: how the stars have changed

A photo gallery of how the cast of Outnumbered have changed.

Outnumbered kids reflect on life in the spotlight

The Outnumbered kids are growing up! Here's what they have to say about their on-screen parents, siblings and their plans for the future.

Review: Outnumbered, BBC One

As the Brockman family returns for a fifth and final series of Outnumbered, some viewers will find their hackles standing to attention at the family's extraordinary distillation of middle-class characterstics.

10 pearls of wisdom from the Brockmans

Outnumbered is back for its fifth and final series, and any parent could learn from the wisdom that Pete and Sue Brockman impart to their children Jake, Ben and Karen. Here are ten gems from tonight's opening episode.

Outnumbered Series 5 Episode 1 review

The high standard that Outnumbered has set remains and, despite the use of the word "typical" earlier in this review, the sitcom continues to entertain stoutly throughout with its astute observations and wonderful performances.

Hugh Dennis & Claire Skinner interview

TV Choice meets Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner who play Pete and Sue Brockman...

Hugh Dennis interview

Hugh Dennis, star of Outnumbered, reveals why the final series of the hit family sitcom may not be the last after all.

The Brockman children are growing up fast

Ramona Marquez is almost unrecognisable with her new straight, dark haircut; Daniel Roche, 14, seems to have grown three foot since the last series and has a deep, booming voice; while Tyger Drew-Honey, 17, has left school and drives a car.