Outnumbered fans switch off ‘depressing’ Christmas special as creators defend storyline choice
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The Outnumbered clan got back together for a Christmas reunion episode, but viewers felt a little underwhelmed by the choice of plot. In the festive special of the beloved BBC sitcom, fans got to see the Brockman family at a different stage of their lives.
![[Undated BBC Handout Photo from Outnumbered. Pictured: Mum (CLAIRE SKINNER), Dad (HUGH DENNIS). PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Outnumbered. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA???Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Outnumbered. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Outnumbered. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233420896-9351.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
When the series first began airing in 2007, Sue (Claire Skinner) and Pete (Hugh Dennis) were busying themselves raising their three young children, each with unique and differing personalties. In their first episode for eight years, Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey), Ben (Daniel Roche) and Karen (Romona Marquez) were all grown up so the parents faced a different set of problems. They contended with parenting adults, and their new role of grandparents.
![[Tyger Drew Honey as Jake, Keena Jagpal as Rani, Daniel Roche as Ben, Ramona Marquez as Karen sat on a sofa looking shocked in Outnumbered]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233420899-e5b0.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Written and directed by creators Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, Sue and Pete, like many people across the globe, tried to gather their children together for a traditional family Christmas (in November due to the family being in different locations on December 25).
On top of the usual humour, chaotic family shenanigans, an unwanted guest in the form of friend Jane (Hattie Morahan) and an adorable new family member, there was a more serious storyline. Pete has been diagnosed with treatable prostate cancer, and feels nervous to tell his children as he’s worried about how they’ll handle it.
In an emotional scene Pete and Sue finally gather the confidence to tell their offspring. However, Ben hasn’t yet made it to the house yet after facing multiple travel issues, so he must find out the news through a video call. The trademark humour is still evident with Ben struggling to hear the discussion, and therefore reacting in unusual ways.
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