For the last month-plus, I've become the biggest fan of the BBC America television show At Home with the Braithwaites. This lens is a basic primer to the program -- if you haven't seen it yet, look for it in your local listings! It's good TV.
Links to Learn from
Sites for new eyes
This handful of URLs will offer the content and context you need to appreciate the show from your very first viewing (not that you need to bone up for a TV show)
- BBC America: At Home with the Braithwaites
- The official U.S. site for the show offers an episode guide, trivia quizzes and video snippets
- On the Net with the Braithwaites
- This fan-built site features more in-depth episode guides, thoughtful character profiles and a guide to the locations included in the show
- IMDB: At Home with the Braithwaites
- A full cast list and viewer comments
- TV.com: At Home with the Braithwaites
- The episode guide is notable because you can access a list of top episodes based on viewer ratings.
- Wikipedia: At Home with the Braithwaites
- The season-by-season descriptions, which share the overall theme and arc of each season's episodes, is worth checking out.
Details to Watch For
Some of my favorite things
The sum is larger than it's parts. Here are some of what adds up to make the Braithwaites magic
- The theme song: I have no idea who made the music, but I find myself humming it nigh daily
- The title sequence: Instead of wasting it on a repetitive segment episode to episode, the producers telegraph the ep by including narrative video (sometimes with background dialogue!) in the titles. Shades of the Simpsons, you have to pay attention!
- Misinterpreted phone conversation: I haven't documented all of the instances yet, but watch for telephone conversations in which someone says something to a person that's in the room with them -- and the person on the other end of the line thinks that they're talking to them! Hilarity shall ensue.
My Favorite Character
One family member to follow
The entire cast is extremely talented -- and each character brings their own special quirks to the show -- but I have to say that my favorite Braithwaite... is Charlotte. The youngest daughter is awkward, just coming into her own -- and vicious as a whip when she wants to be. Whether luring her uncle to his potential death, carving up the stairs with a knife or snooping after her mom, Charlotte is a devious little slip of a girl. Don't let the grin trick you. Braithwaites Shopping Basket
DVDs and books related to the show
If you're interested in the program, you might be interested in these products, too
At Home with the Braithwaites - The Complete First Series
Amazon Price: $37.49 (as of 12/01/2009) 
At Home with the Braithwaites - The Complete Second Series
Amazon Price: $53.99 (as of 12/01/2009)
The Basics of Winning Lotto/Lottery
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 12/01/2009)
The Other Man the Other Woman: Understanding and Coping With Extramarital Affairs
Amazon Price: (as of 12/01/2009)
How To Be A Happy Lesbian: A Coming Out Guide
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 12/01/2009)
Leeds: Pevsner City Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides)
Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 12/01/2009)
AA Street by Street Leeds
Amazon Price: (as of 12/01/2009)
Other TV Shows of Note
Wondering what else to watch?
These programs might be worth a watch
- Trailer Park Boys
- This lens about the Canadian export really piqued my interest
Explore related pages
Coupling - The Hit BBC Comedy- Coupling is a hilarious British comedy that ran from 2000 to 2004 on Britain's B...
The Mighty Boosh- Information and resources about the UK Comedy Sensation - The Mighty B...
Victoria Wood Video Showcase- British comedienne Victoria Wood could always make me laugh out loud! I have lov...
The Kumars at No. 42- The Kumars at No. 42, is a hilarious britcom, now found on BBC America. The Kuma...
Ricky Gervais- Ricky Gervais - the man behind the legend. Or at least the man who with his co w...
We love Doctor Who: Season Three- We love Doctor Who: Season Three
