Friday Night Dinner#American version
{{Short description|British television sitcom (2011–2020)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2012}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Friday night dinner.png
| caption = Main title screen
| genre = {{plainlist|
}}
| creator = Robert Popper
| writer = Robert Popper
| director = {{plainlist|
- Steve Bendelack
- Martin Dennis
- Robert Popper
}}
| starring = {{plainlist|
}}
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| num_series = 6
| num_episodes = 37
| list_episodes = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes
| executive_producer = {{plainlist|
- Nira Park
- Caroline Leddy
- Kenton Allen
}}
| producer = Robert Popper
| location = London
| camera = Single-camera
| runtime = 21–25 minutes
| editor = {{plainlist|
- Lucien Clayton
- Pete Drinkwater
- Paul Machliss
}}
| company = {{plainlist|
- Popper Pictures
- Big Talk Productions
}}
| composer = {{plainlist|
}}
| open_theme = "Animal (Punks Jump Up Remix)" by Miike Snow
| channel = Channel 4
| first_aired = {{Start date|2011|02|25|df=yes}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2020|05|1|df=yes}}
}}
Friday Night Dinner is a British sitcom created by Robert Popper that aired on Channel 4 from 25 February 2011 to 1 May 2020. Starring Tamsin Greig, Paul Ritter, Simon Bird, Tom Rosenthal, and Mark Heap, it follows the regular Friday night dinner experience of the Jewish middle-class Goodman family in Mill Hill, a north London suburb.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/12/channel4-television|title=Tamsin Greig and Pulling's Paul Ritter to star in Channel 4 comedy|last=Plunkett|first=John|date=12 February 2010|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 February 2011|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529140134/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/12/channel4-television|url-status=live}} Following the conclusion of the sixth series and Ritter's death in 2021, it was announced that the show would not return.{{Cite web |date=8 April 2021 |title=Friday Night Dinner documentary dedicated to Paul Ritter |url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/125273-friday-night-dinner-documentary-dedicated-to-paul-ritter/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930142928/https://www.list.co.uk/article/125273-friday-night-dinner-documentary-dedicated-to-paul-ritter/|archive-date=30 September 2021 |access-date=11 April 2021 |website=The List |language=en-GB}}{{cite web |title=Season Six Of Friday Night Dinner Was The Last One, Creator Robert Popper Confirms |url=https://www.ladbible.com/news/tv-and-film-season-six-of-friday-night-dinner-was-the-last-one-20210525 |website=Lad Bible |date=25 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525115005/https://www.ladbible.com/news/tv-and-film-season-six-of-friday-night-dinner-was-the-last-one-20210525 |url-status=live }} The show is filmed using a single-camera setup.{{Cite web |last=Guide |first=British Comedy |title=Friday Night Dinner - C4 Sitcom |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/friday_night_dinner/ |access-date=3 March 2024 |website=British Comedy Guide |language=en}}
The show received positive reviews and became a widespread British classic. The show received two BAFTA nominations in 2012. The first series was nominated for Best Situation Comedy, while Greig was nominated for Best Female Comedy Performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/television/awards/television-awards-winners-in-2012|title=Television Awards Winners in 2012|date=24 April 2012|publisher=BAFTA|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122225240/http://www.bafta.org/television/awards/television-awards-winners-in-2012|url-status=live}} In 2021, for his performance in the final series of the show, Ritter received a posthumous BAFTA nomination for Best Male Comedy Performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.bafta.org/television/awards/tv-2021|title=BAFTA TV 2021: The Winners and Nominations for the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards and British Academy Television Craft Awards|date=28 April 2021|publisher=BAFTA|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210607092041/https://www.bafta.org/television/awards/tv-2021|url-status=live}}
Premise
Friday Night Dinner depicts Shabbat dinner in the middle-class secular Jewish Goodman family, reflecting series creator Popper's own secular Jewish upbringing.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/mar/03/tamsin-greig-interview|title=Tamsin Greig: 'I always think I'll never work again'|first=Emine|last=Saner|work=The Guardian|date=4 March 2011|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=28 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128174918/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/mar/03/tamsin-greig-interview|url-status=live}} It is set and filmed in suburban North London,{{Cite web|date=19 June 2021|title=Friday Night Dinner. House, Cast and why we won't get another series. Dailytap|url=https://dailytap.co.uk/tv-movies/friday-night-dinner-house-cast/|access-date=21 June 2021|website=Dailytap|language=en-US|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619144130/https://dailytap.co.uk/tv-movies/friday-night-dinner-house-cast/|url-status=live}} with filming taking place in Mill Hill.{{Cite web |url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/953236/friday-night-dinner-cast-simon-bird-tom-rosenthal-tamsin-greig |title=Friday Night Dinner stars Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal talk returning to the show |date=30 April 2018 |access-date=18 May 2018 |archive-date=19 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519204333/https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/953236/friday-night-dinner-cast-simon-bird-tom-rosenthal-tamsin-greig |url-status=live }}
The family consists of mother Jackie, father Martin, elder son Adam, and younger son Jonny. The episodes follow the family as the sons arrive at the family home and proceed to their dinner, which is often interrupted by numerous things. Although some episodes are centred around Jackie's eccentricities, she is usually the straight character who tries to run a normal household but is disrupted by the rest of the family. Dinner is usually disrupted by Adam and Jonny pranking each other (for example, putting salt in each other's drinking glasses) or Martin's strange habits, such as walking around the house shirtless or eating out-of-date food.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/underrated-british-shows/|title=Top 10 Underrated British Shows You May Not Have Heard Of|work=Collider|date=26 May 2022|accessdate=27 May 2022|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526210637/https://collider.com/underrated-british-shows/|url-status=live}} When something goes wrong, Martin is often heard shouting his catchphrase "shit on it".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/features/paul-ritter-funniest-moments-friday-night-dinner-2914961|title="Shit on it!": Paul Ritter's funniest moments on 'Friday Night Dinner'|first=Nick|last=Levine|magazine=NME|date=6 April 2021|accessdate=27 May 2022|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527185650/https://www.nme.com/features/paul-ritter-funniest-moments-friday-night-dinner-2914961|url-status=live}} They are frequently interrupted by their strange but good-hearted neighbour Jim Bell, who is attracted to Jackie and visits them due to his loneliness; he is usually accompanied by his dog, Wilson, of whom he is afraid. After Wilson's death in series 5, Jim adopts a new dog, whom he names Milson in the first episode of series 6.
Jackie's neurotic best friend Valerie Lewis, known as "Auntie Val" to Adam and Jonny, is a frequent visitor; Jackie's mother Nellie "Grandma" Buller also visits. Occasional guest appearances were made by Martin's mother Cynthia Goodman, nicknamed "Horrible Grandma" by the boys due to her cruel and condescending treatment of the family. Other guest appearances featured Nellie's suitor Mr. Morris, who appeared in three episodes while Val's husband Larry briefly appears in two episodes.
Cast
= Main =
- Tamsin Greig as Jackie Goodman
- Paul Ritter as Martin Goodman
- Simon Bird as Adam Goodman
- Tom Rosenthal as Jonny Goodman
- Mark Heap as Jim Bell
= Recurring =
- Frances Cuka as Nellie Buller ("Grandma"), Jackie's mother.
- Tracy-Ann Oberman as Valerie Lewis ("Auntie Val"), Jackie's best friend.
- Harry Landis as Lou Morris ("Mr Morris"), Grandma's boyfriend.
- Rosalind Knight as Cynthia Goodman ("Horrible Grandma"), Martin's mother.
- Steve Furst as Larry, Val's ex-husband.
Episode list
{{Main|List of Friday Night Dinner episodes}}
{{Series overview
|infoA = Average UK viewers
(millions)
| color1 = #4E289E
| link1 = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Series 1 (2011)
| episodes1 = 6
| start1 = {{Start date|2011|02|25|df=yes}}
| end1 = {{End date|2011|04|08|df=yes}}
| infoA1 = {{N/A}}
| color2 = #A42B2B
| link2 = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Series 2 (2012)
| episodes2 = 6
| start2 = {{Start date|2012|10|07|df=yes}}
| end2 = {{End date|2012|11|11|df=yes}}
| infoA2 = {{N/A}}
| color2S = #A42B2B
| link2S = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Special (2012)
| linkT2S = Special
| start2S = {{Start date|2012|12|24|df=yes}}
| infoA2S = 1.54
| color3 = #D7A037
| link3 = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Series 3 (2014)
| episodes3 = 6
| start3 = {{Start date|2014|06|20|df=yes}}
| end3 = {{End date|2014|07|25|df=yes}}
| infoA3 = 1.45
| color4 = #060
| link4 = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Series 4 (2016)
| episodes4 = 6
| start4 = {{Start date|2016|07|22|df=yes}}
| end4 = {{End date|2016|08|26|df=yes}}
| infoA4 = 1.66
| color5 = #7CFC00
| link5 = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Series 5 (2018)
| episodes5 = 6
| start5 = {{Start date|2018|05|04|df=yes}}
| end5 = {{Start date|2018|06|08|df=yes}}
| infoA5 = 2.09
| color6 = #FFF833
| link6 = List of Friday Night Dinner episodes#Series 6 (2020)
| episodes6 = 6
| start6 = {{Start date|2020|03|27|df=yes}}
| end6 = {{Start date|2020|05|01|df=yes}}
| infoA6 = 4.70
}}
Reception
= Critical reception =
Friday Night Dinner received a range of responses from television critics. On the review aggregate Metacritic, the first season is rated with a score of 72, which is labeled as "Generally Favorable"{{Cite web |title=Friday Night Dinner Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/friday-night-dinner/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.metacritic.com |language=en}}
The show was praised for its unique blend of familial chaos and comedic timing, though some critics pointed out its over reliance on repetitive slapstick humor.{{Cite web |last=Cumming |first=Ed |date=27 March 2020 |title=Friday Night Dinner review: A predictable mix of slapstick, Dad jokes and literal toilet humour |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/friday-night-dinner-review-season-6-episode-1-channel-4-new-series-catch-up-a9430166.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=The Independent}} Micheal Hogan of The Telegraph commended the series for its consistent delevery of "warm, daft escapism".{{Cite news |last=Hogan |first=Michael |date=2020-03-27 |title=Friday Night Dinner, review: the menu hasn't changed – and nor would we want it to |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2020/03/27/friday-night-dinner-review-menu-hasnt-changed-nor-would-want/?ICID=continue_without_subscribing_reg_first |access-date=2025-05-10 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}} Throughout its time on air, Friday Night Dinner maintained a dedicated fan base and became a staple of British comedy television, with its portrayal of family dynamics resonating with many viewers.{{Cite news |last=Aroesti |first=Rachel |date=2021-05-26 |title=Farewell Friday Night Dinner: the joyous Jewish sitcom that became a national treasure |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/may/26/farewell-friday-night-dinner-the-joyous-jewish-sitcom-that-became-a-national-treasure |access-date=2025-05-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
= Ratings =
The first season premiered on February 25, 2011 in which it received 2.31 million views in its debut week.{{Cite web |title=Weekly top 30 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018) Barb |url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-30/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |language=en-GB}} According to the Digital Spy the third episode of the first season received 1.06 million views.{{Cite web |date=2011-03-12 |title=Simon Bird sitcom hurt by Japan coverage |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a308610/simon-bird-sitcom-hurt-by-japan-coverage/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}} The fourth episode saw a rise in viewership, pulling in 1.5 million viewers.{{Cite web |date=2011-03-26 |title='Friday Night Dinner' piles on viewers |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a311240/friday-night-dinner-piles-on-viewers/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}
While exact numbers of viewership through seasons 2-5 are not readily available, the program would continue to see a rise in viewership over the course of its run, culminating with substantial viewer growth by the last season. In the sixth and final season, its debut episode pulled in 4.29 million views in its first week.{{Cite web |last=Guide |first=British Comedy |date=2020-04-07 |title=Friday Night Dinner storms to record ratings |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/5730/friday-night-dinner-huge-ratings/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=British Comedy Guide |language=en}}
= Awards =
Friday Night Dinner has nine nominations and two awards. Friday Night Dinner received four nominations at the British Comedy Awards, three nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, one nomination from the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, one award from the Rose d'Or Light Entertainment Festival, and one nomination and one award from the Royal Television Society.
- Nomination for Best TV Comedy Actress, (Tamsin Greig), British Comedy Awards 2011
- Nomination for Best TV Sitcom, British Comedy Awards 2011
- Nomination for Best Comedy Breakthrough Artist, (Tom Rosenthal), British Comedy Awards 2011
- Nomination for Best New Comedy Programme, (Robert Popper), British Comedy Awards 2011
- Winner for Best Tape and Film Editing: Entertainment and Situation Comedy, (Lucien Clayton), Royal Television Society 2011
- Nomination for Best Writer - Comedy, (Robert Popper), Royal Television Society 2011
- Winner for Best Sitcom, (Robert Popper), Rose d'Or 2012
- Nomination for Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme, (Tamsin Greig), BAFTA Awards 2012
- Nomination for Best Situation Comedy, (Robert Popper, Steve Bendelack, Kenton Allen, Caroline Leddy), BAFTA Awards 2012
- Nomination for Best Comedy, Broadcasting Press Guild Awards 2021
- Nomination for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme, (Paul Ritter) , BAFTA Awards 2021
Legacy
For the 10th anniversary of the show, a special 90-minute documentary episode aired on Channel 4 on 28 May 2021, entitled Friday Night Dinner: Ten Years and A Lovely Bit of Squirrel.{{Cite web|date=13 January 2021|title='Friday Night Dinner' anniversary documentary to air this spring|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/friday-night-dinner-anniversary-documentary-to-air-this-spring-2855833|access-date=11 April 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411085809/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/friday-night-dinner-anniversary-documentary-to-air-this-spring-2855833|url-status=live}} The documentary was dedicated to Paul Ritter, who had died of a brain tumour seven weeks earlier.{{Cite web|last=West|first=Amy|date=7 April 2021|title=Friday Night Dinner documentary to be dedicated to late star Paul Ritter|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a36045201/friday-night-dinner-anniversary-special-paul-ritter-dedication/|access-date=11 April 2021|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411085809/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a36045201/friday-night-dinner-anniversary-special-paul-ritter-dedication/|url-status=live}}
American version
In September 2011, Deadline Hollywood announced that Greg Daniels, who had adapted The Office for American television, would spearhead an American remake of the series for the broadcast network NBC.{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2011/09/greg-daniels-to-adapt-british-comedy-friday-night-dinner-for-nbc-166883/ |title=Greg Daniels To Adapt British Comedy 'Friday Night Dinner' For NBC |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=4 February 2012 |archive-date=23 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323001657/http://www.deadline.com/2011/09/greg-daniels-to-adapt-british-comedy-friday-night-dinner-for-nbc/ |url-status=live }} The remake was picked up for a pilot, written by Daniels and directed by Ken Kwapis{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/ken-kwapis-set-to-direct-nbc-pilot-friday-night-dinner-reunites-with-greg-daniels-225285/ |title=Ken Kwapis Set To Direct NBC Pilot 'Friday Night Dinner', Reunites With Greg Daniels |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=3 February 2012 |access-date=4 February 2012 |archive-date=8 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408004303/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/ken-kwapis-set-to-direct-nbc-pilot-friday-night-dinner-reunites-with-greg-daniels/ |url-status=live }} and starring Allison Janney, Tony Shalhoub as the parents{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/allison-janney-tony-shalhoub-to-star-in-greg-daniels-nbc-pilot-friday-night-dinner-227413/ |title=Allison Janney & Tony Shalhoub To Star in Greg Daniels' NBC Pilot 'Friday Night Dinner' |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-date=19 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619150937/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/allison-janney-tony-shalhoub-to-star-in-greg-daniels-nbc-pilot-friday-night-dinner/ |url-status=live }} and Gary Anthony Williams as Jim (now renamed Mark). The pilot did not go to series.
In 2014, CBS bought an adaptation of the British show for the American market, as a "put pilot".{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/08/friday-night-dinner-adaptation-cbs-put-pilot-822709/ |date=21 August 2014 |access-date=4 April 2020 |website=Deadline |title=CBS Buys Adaptation Of British Comedy 'Friday Night Dinner' As Put Pilot |author=Nellie Andreeva |archive-date=18 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118211633/https://deadline.com/2014/08/friday-night-dinner-adaptation-cbs-put-pilot-822709/ |url-status=live }}
In 2016, a third attempt at an American remake was under development by CBS, with the title Sunday Night Dinner.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/friday-night-dinner-adaptation-cbs-sunday-night-dinner-comedy-1201810328/ |title=CBS Developing New Adaptation Of UK Comedy Series 'Friday Night Dinner' |author=Nellie Andreeva |date=30 August 2016 |access-date=4 April 2020 |website=Deadline |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124414/https://deadline.com/2016/08/friday-night-dinner-adaptation-cbs-sunday-night-dinner-comedy-1201810328/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a806347/theyre-remaking-friday-night-dinner-for-the-us-again/ |title=They're remaking Friday Night Dinner for the US – again |first=Morgan |last=Jeffery |date=31 August 2016 |access-date=4 April 2020 |website=Digital Spy |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108121522/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a806347/theyre-remaking-friday-night-dinner-for-the-us-again/ |url-status=live }}
In July 2022, Amazon Freevee ordered an American remake of the sitcom, with the title Dinner with The Parents.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |title=Amazon Freevee Hands Straight-To-Series Order To U.S. Remake Of British Comedy 'Friday Night Dinner' |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/friday-night-dinner-amazon-freevee-1235063476/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=13 July 2022 |access-date=13 July 2022 |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713233302/https://deadline.com/2022/07/friday-night-dinner-amazon-freevee-1235063476/ |url-status=live }} The series premiered on 18 April 2024,{{cite web |last1=Koo |first1=Sonia |date=7 March 2024 |title=Dinner is Served! Amazon Freevee To Premiere New Comedy Series Dinner with the Parents on April 18 |url=https://press.amazonstudios.com/us/en/press-release/dinner-is-served-amazon-freevee-to-premiere-new-co |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=Amazon Studios}} received poor to mixed reviews{{Cite web |date=19 April 2024 |title=Dinner with the Parents Review: Decent Family Comedy That Becomes Repetitive |url=https://filmzzine.com/dinner-with-the-parents-review-daniel-thrasher/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=FILMZZINE |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Bruce R. |date=20 April 2024 |title=Streaming review: 'Dinner with the Parents' has a hefty helping of laughs |url=https://madison.com/life-entertainment/nation-world/movies-tv/dinner-with-the-parents-review-comedy-henry-hall-michaela-watkins/article_c8195ece-2627-5c4c-9814-eb435ee6ab61.html |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en-US}} and was canceled in December 2024.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title='Dinner With The Parents' Freevee Comedy Canceled By Amazon After One Season|url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/dinner-with-the-parents-canceled-no-season-2-freevee-amazon-1236203386/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 13, 2024|access-date=December 13, 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Channel4.com|programmes/friday-night-dinner|Friday Night Dinner}}
- {{British Comedy Guide|tv|friday_night_dinner}}
- {{Epguides|FridayNightDinner}}
- {{IMDb title}}
Category:2010s British black comedy television series
Category:2010s British sitcoms
Category:2011 British television series debuts
Category:2020 British television series endings
Category:2020s British black comedy television series
Category:2020s British sitcoms
Category:British English-language television shows
Category:Jewish comedy and humor
Category:Television series about brothers
Category:Television series about dysfunctional families
Category:Television series about Jews and Judaism
Category:Television series about marriage