Friday Night Dinner (2011)
The beloved British sitcom where every family dinner at the Goodmans' somehow descends into glorious, unstoppable chaos.
Friday Night Dinner - Series Information
- Original Title: Friday Night Dinner
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Robert Popper
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 37
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 25, 2011 (United States - TV-14), February 25, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), February 25, 2011 (Germany - 16), February 25, 2011 (France - 18), February 25, 2011 (Australia - M), February 25, 2011 (Brazil - 12), February 25, 2011 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Channel 4
- Alternative Titles: ארוחת ליל שישי (IL)
- Production Companies: Popper Pictures, Big Talk Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Friday Night Dinner - Plot
Two siblings share their Friday night dinners at their parents home and, somehow, something always goes wrong.
Friday Night Dinner - Trailer
See the Goodman family's wonderfully chaotic Friday evenings come to life in the official trailer.
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Friday Night Dinner - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Robert Popper
Main Cast
- Simon Bird
- Tom Rosenthal
- Tamsin Greig
- Paul Ritter
- Mark Heap
- Tracy-Ann Oberman
- Frances Cuka
- Rosalind Knight
- Harry Landis
- Paul McNeilly
Writers
- Robert Popper
Executive Producers
- Nira Park
- Kenton Allen
- Caroline Leddy
Friday Night Dinner - FAQs
Who plays Jim in Friday Night Dinner?
Jim is played by Mark Heap, and he's one of the show's most iconic characters. The eccentric, socially awkward neighbour who constantly turns up uninvited became a fan favourite, with his bizarre behaviour and catchphrase 'shalom' making him utterly unforgettable across all six series.
Is Friday Night Dinner based on a true story?
Creator Robert Popper drew heavily from his own experiences growing up in a Jewish family in North London. While the Goodman family and their chaotic Friday night dinners are fictional, many of the show's recurring jokes, rituals, and family dynamics were inspired by Popper's real childhood memories.
Where can you stream Friday Night Dinner?
You can stream Friday Night Dinner on BritBox, available directly or through the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free streaming is also available on Hoopla.
Is Friday Night Dinner worth watching?
Absolutely. Friday Night Dinner is widely regarded as one of the finest British sitcoms of its generation. Its razor-sharp writing, perfectly timed physical comedy, and deeply lovable characters make it endlessly rewatchable. Even after six series, the show never lost its charm, and its devoted fanbase continues to grow.
Why did Friday Night Dinner end after six series?
Creator Robert Popper chose to end the show on his own terms after six series, feeling the story had reached a natural conclusion. The final series aired in 2020 and delivered an emotionally resonant send-off. Popper has always prioritised quality over longevity, ensuring the show ended before it could overstay its welcome.
Who created Friday Night Dinner and when did it first air?
Friday Night Dinner was created by Robert Popper, best known for his work on Peep Show and Look Around You. The series premiered on Channel 4 on February 25, 2011, and ran for six series until 2020, becoming one of the channel's most beloved and enduring comedy programmes.
Did Friday Night Dinner win any awards?
Friday Night Dinner earned strong critical recognition throughout its run. The show received BAFTA nominations, and Paul Ritter's portrayal of the lovably eccentric Martin Goodman was frequently singled out for praise. The series also won a devoted cult following that has only grown since the show concluded in 2020.
What are some shows similar to Friday Night Dinner?
If you enjoy Friday Night Dinner's chaotic family humour, you'll likely love Shameless (2004) for its dysfunctional household energy, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia for its anarchic comedy, and All in the Family for its sharp family dynamics. The Righteous Gemstones also delivers brilliantly absurd family comedy with a similarly devoted fanbase.
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