The story revolves around William Shawcross and Mary Gilcrest, along with William's two daughters Kate and Julia, Mary's two sons Brendan and Terence, William’s business associates Arnold and Jane, his housekeeper Mrs Ball, his bandleader Billy Two Hats, his cousin and solicitor Nicholas, Mary’s mother Molly, her ex husband Reuben, her ex boyfriend Rick, and her midwife associate Doris.
William is also an avid musician, singing in a choir and playing in a band, and music figures prominently in the story and the production.
William and Mary panic when a scheduling snafu brings their daughters and sons together without benefit of their introductions.
William and Rick are asked to celebrate a biker's funeral by putting him on a high speed bike run.
2004 Nominated, BAFTA TV Award Best Drama Series Trevor Hopkins, Stuart Orme, Mick Ford 2003 Nominated, British Comedy Award Best TV Comedy Actor Martin Clunes Also for The Booze Cruise.
In Australia and New Zealand (Region 4), distribution rights were initially held by Shock Records, in which they released all three series individually and in a complete collection set.