User reviews

I agree with all the positive comments on here but just wanted to address the swearing at the kids.

I don't think this programme is saying swearing at kids is funny but is trying to relay what most parents want to say half the time, which is why it is funny. The thought of actually saying that to my kid never comes in to my head but my god my inner voice is often shouting it.

The drama in the final episodes is beautifully balanced with a light humour.

The acting from all the cast is spot on.

A real treat and emotional journey.

I think sometimes the genre descriptions on here can be misleading since when I first saw this show on IMDB I assumed it was just a straight up comedy about parenting and relationships, which it is not. Yes there are comedic elements, especially if you also have kids, but its way more dramatic than I expected and I mean that in a positive way. For me I was about 3 episodes in and couldn't decide whether I liked it or not(partly because I was expecting a comedy) but my advice is to stay with it, get invested in the characters and don't make any attempt to categorize the show. In general I would say this show is extremely unique and also very close to reality.

My husband and I are so so tired we barely know who we are anymore. We have a 6 months baby still waking up 4 times a night and a 3 years old not wanting to sleep alone anymore.

We watched the first episode and giggled constantly. So much recognition! And a relief to see we are not alone in this sleepless limbo...

It kind of added to the weird fun when we couldn't even watch the first episode uninterrupted because the baby woke up crying...

For the love of god! Finally a realistic depiction of life with kids! I'm so sick of the shows about families and the parents always seem to have quiet uninterrupted time to talk, time to do grown-up things, time to themselves, what an absolute joke that is! There is no such thing when you have kids! Its an absolute s**t show all the time!! This is true reality tv! Thank you! It's about time! I haven't laughed this hard ever! Just thank you!!!! Masterpiece! MORE PLEASE!! MANY MANY MANY MORE!

I love the chemistry between the main characters and how their children are both the joy and the misery in their life! Excellently executed!

I didn't know other people behaved the way I did! This isn't the same old story about parenthood, either, about how the kids are monsters. This is a story about how the PARENTS can be monsters-who still love their kids.This series documents, in an honestly and in a way that I've never seen on TV before, the psychological effects being married and having kids has on you. There are scenes that they could have stolen right from my home security system video footage...Shockingly realistic. Glad I'm not the only one to scream and yell like a madman...

I laughed my ass off constantly at this show, I have a 9 year old and my god has she tested my patience, I totally relate to their behaviour and I found it painfully funny. All the bad reviews literally state the overuse of bad language, but this is the way people talk these days. Highly recommended.

I'm British and love British humour. This is really a fantastic programme and had me and my wife laughing out loud. It also has a really interesting story and you grow to like the characters quickly. Martin Freeman plays his role so well.

I am amazed that After Life gets rave reviews yet this is somehow not. It is so much more original, funny and interesting.

The first scene can be a bit shocking for some, but stick with it. The swearing is throw away and part of the overall story. It calms down, but is a big part of the humour.

Very funny from the off and doesn't let up, the episode about death was pant wettingly hilarious. The idiots giving it low scores due to swearing or suggesting it is unrealistic and just bad parenting need to a) stop being snowflake prudes and b) realise it's a comedy not a documentary. You'll be telling me next that Monty Python and the Holy Grail isn't a true reflection of Arthurian Britain or that Arthur didn't actually exist.

I'm a sucker for an English accent and although I'm not a 'kid person' per se, I always said if mine could come out with an English accent maybe I'd consider having one. All the English kids I've met in person and seen on TV until now have always sounded adorable and seemed to have excellent manners. The oldest boy in this show proved me wrong within the first 2 minutes of episode 1. This is how I always assumed it would be like having children, and watching this confirmed that I made the right decision 😂

Two thirty somethings totally out of their depth but muddling on through, although mum (Daisy Haggard) is slightly more on top of things, but aren't they always? Dialogue that made me scream in a laugh out loud way. The days start out chaotic and a constant stream of bad luck will culminate in a comedy of errors that have been beautifully crafted. All accompanied by a stream of eff's. Swearing is a lot more common these days, the puritans have been proven wrong by many studies, smart people swear, it's now a scientific fact. It's a social glue, a vent for frustration, it's even effective as a pain reliever. By the end of ep 3, dad, (Martin Freeman) is starting to question his parenting 'skills' and realise that maybe he needs to stop shouting and swearing so much. But I think that his short fuse and constant frustration will sabotage his new found resolve. Kids don't come with a manual and we've all learned from our mistakes, they survive and continue to love us, luckily. It's nice to see others going through the ringer, I almost got broody but I've done my bit, never again! Thanks for this Marmite show, people are either loving or hating it. If you hate it too? Lighten up, the scenes with the kids in were filmed without swearing and then it's dubbed over. The little darlings were perfectly fine. I hope this show runs for a few more years.

I very much like the show but I am getting increasingly annoyed with the character of Ally. While Paul is a complex character, realistic and human, Ally seems to be portrayed like a super woman, relaxed mother and cool wife, succesfull, desirable, etc. - I am struggling to find a fault with her. The show would be much more relevant and credible if she was portrayed as a multi-dimensional human being as well, warts and all.

Watch the first series it's brilliant. Don't listen to those complaining about how he speaks to his kids, that's the point, it's what we all have thought from time to time. (Anyone that says they haven't they're lying or they're a serial killer without emotion).

Second series, unfortunately almost all the comedy has gone. Which actually leaves you questioning the mum. Who unfortunately has become rather cliched and annoying.

Martin Freeman is awesome in this series. All parents feel rage towards their children but this is what it really looks like. These guys love their kids to death, but they can't control their anger towards them. It's great.

Unmatched cast, including the kids. Martin Freeman is brilliant and shows so much acting range. I wonder how much if any of the writing he contributed, how much based on his life. Has hilarious moments--the British humor (humour), it's just different from American humor -- but the family dynamics I am sure almost universal. I read a different actor was originally cast as Jim, Martin Freeman's father, but I've seen Alun Armstrong, the actor who replaced him, in several series and I think he's superb--there's lightness and seriousness in each episode. Highly recommend especially if you enjoy Freeman.

The writers have outdone themselves. I watched an episode by accident and now I wouldn't miss one for the world. The family is so darn normal, warts and all, that's what makes this show so outstanding. They cuss, the kids lie to their parents, but in the end they are a very strong loving unit. That's what makes the show.

Yes, Ally and Paul are highly imperfect as parents, that is one of the main thrusts of the show, and what make it so real for those who relate to feelings of inadequacy, joy, frustration and even regret. As someone who grew up with a father who had significant anger problems, I've never seen parental anger and the associated guilt (and eventual growth!) portrayed in such a realistic manner. Is that part hard to watch sometimes? Absolutely, that is what makes it so cathartic and real. Not to mention that the many "funny" parts, which are character driven rather than cheap one liners, give true balance to the heart and depth that this gem of a series successfully pulls off. I understand that it may not be for everyone, but the plot lines are often profound, the family bonds are beautiful and real, the angst is truly reflective of life, and the ultimate perfection of imperfections made this a very fulfilling experience for me.

The show and characters are amusing in many ways. But, the father is extremely abusive and the mother is passively abusive and enabling to the father. At times it's tough to watch their assault on their son. This is unaddressed and deep seated anger. I really love all of the grandparents they are very delightful characters. Overall it's a worthwhile show to watch. About to get into Season 3.

Truly binge worthy! I was gutted to see that I have to wait for the next episode! Can't wait for the continued trials and tribulations of the adorable, somewhat conflicted family unit as they make their way through life.

The humour level here never rose above 'titter' level, but really off-putting was the foul language It's NOT hip, brave or clever. I'm not a prude. I save mine for the football stadium But it was unwarranted in this show.

Parenting is hard! It's definitely no walk in the park. This show tackles real feelings that many parents experience. Don't listen to the cry babies on here complaining about the jokes in the show.

The central characters here, Ally and Paul, are pretty vile: Paul, especially.

I get that we are supposed to see these two "breeders" as flawed humans doing the best with what they've got, and there is an intended redemption arc for Paul and his anger issues....

But guess what? Paul isn't as angry any more, but he is still a smug and insufferable a**ehole!

Even Ally, played by the very likeable Daisy Haggard, is difficult to warm to, making horrendous choices in her approach to parenting and life.

Paul's parents, in particular the imperious Alun Armstrong, are the redeeming characters in the show, and (in part) make up for the loathesome twosome the show is principally centred on.

The child actors get progressively better as they are recast with each time jump, and it's always great seeing Andi Osho in things.

As other reviewers have cited, the first two seasons are jarring due to the appalling way in which Paul often speaks to his very young children. In the latter series, with his kids older, this unpleasantness is gone and makes watching the show a lot less uncomfortable.

Overall, it's watchable and funny in parts but like so many modern TV shows, the inability to root for or empathise with such dislikeable characters can leave you disengaged and apathetic to the storylines.

First came the series/movie concept of "men behaving badly", then came "women behaving badly", now we've got a number of examples of "parents behaving badly". But the thing that makes or breaks each movie or series is keeping the parents likeable enough to where you're still on their side, even if it's just barely. This is where I think Breeders pushes it a little too far. It's noted early on that Paul has a big anger problem, and when he's not neglecting the kids, he's yelling at them. Later on, Ally begins acting out like a petulant teenager whenever she hears news that she doesn't like. The two of them don't even support each other, each is obsessed with their own career and personal success in life. They need some positive personality traits to balance things out. I see from the reviews on here that the series is cathartic for many parents, and that's good, but it seems like these two characters are presented to us as if we're supposed to feel sympathetic towards them, when by the end of series one, I just felt really bad for the kids.

Couldn't believe that this show was rated below 7 until I read all the 1 star reviews, which all seem to begin with 'I'm not a prude but...' and go on about the poor language and parenting skills. This show represents many of the frustrations experienced by parents and though I may not condone poor language towards children, this is a fictional comedy and not real life. I have found the show to be hilarious and full of heart; the scenarios are original and well constructed with characters becoming more fleshed out with each episode. Obviously, this may not be for people who don't find humour in colourful language but for those parents who wish they could drop the F-bomb every now and then, this show is for you.

Explains parenting with both humor and emotions. Any parent can relate to this couple in one form or another. We've all been there. Lol