The Royle Family (1998): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

The Royle Family first went out in September 1998 on BBC Two, then BBC One. It ran until 2012, with 3 series and 20 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
northern
british
More from the 1990s

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Why it is worth your time

A Manchester family watch television from the sofa, and that is the whole show. Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash made it look effortless; Jim Royle’s “my arse” entered the language.

The details

First broadcast: 14 September 1998
Originally on: BBC Two, then BBC One
On air: 1998–2012
Series: 3
Episodes: 20
Typical length: 31 minutes
Genres: Comedy
First episode: “Episode 1”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

The Royle Family: quick answers

When did The Royle Family start?

On 14 September 1998, on BBC Two, then BBC One.

How many episodes of The Royle Family are there?

20 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 3 series. The last aired in 2012.

Where can I watch The Royle Family now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.