

Home to Roost
Home to Roost is a British television sitcom produced by Yorkshire Television in the 1980s. Written by Eric Chappell, it starred John Thaw as Henry Willows and Reece Dinsdale as his 18-year-old son Matthew. The premise is that Henry Willows is forty-something, who has been divorced from his wife for seven years and is perfectly happy living alone in London. That is, until his youngest child, Matthew arrives to live with him, after being thrown out by his mother. The plots generally revolved around Henry's annoyance at having his solitude disturbed, and the age gap clash. Henry employed two cleaners throughout the show's life; first Enid Thompson, and, in the third season, Fiona Fennell.
Insights
Plot Summary
Home to Roost is a British sitcom that follows the life of Matthew Glover, a young man who unexpectedly inherits a farm and a young son, Henry, from his estranged father. Matthew struggles to adapt to rural life and fatherhood, often with comedic and heartwarming results. The series explores his journey of self-discovery as he learns to balance his newfound responsibilities with his desire for independence, all while forming a bond with Henry and navigating the local community.
Critical Reception
Home to Roost was a popular and well-received family sitcom in the UK during its run. It resonated with audiences for its relatable characters, gentle humor, and heartwarming storylines about family and rural life. While not critically acclaimed in the same vein as some more edgy comedies, it garnered consistent viewership and positive feedback for its charm and consistent tone.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its charming portrayal of a reluctant father figure.
- Appreciated for its gentle humor and focus on family bonds.
- Seen as a comforting and relatable comedy-drama.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the show's warmth and the relatable struggles of the main character, Matthew, in adapting to an unexpected family life. Many viewers fondly remember the series for its positive messages and endearing characters.
Fun Fact
The series was notable for its theme tune, 'The Wonder of You', sung by Elvis Presley, which was a rare use of an existing major hit song for a TV theme in the UK at the time.
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