Jackson Booth-Millard I watched the first episode and originally couldn't really get into it, but the I saw it was coming back for a second series, so I gave the first another chance, and I did end up watching the lot, directed by Ed Bye (Kevin & Perry Go Large, My Family, Fat Slags). Basically the show revolves around the lives of openly gay elderly couple Freddie Thornhill (Sir Ian McKellen) and Stuart Bixby (Sir Derek Jacobi) who have been together for forty-eight years. They live together in their Covent Garden home and have a love/hate relationship, Freddie is a budding actor and Stuart used to work in a bar, both of their careers are almost over and they spend most of their time entertaining guests. Most of the episodes consist of them hurling sarcastic and bitter (or "vicious") insults to each other, and they have an aged dog named Balthazar that is unseen but they always check is still breathing. The most frequent guests visiting Freddie and Stuart are their handsome young neighbour Ash Weston (Iwan Rheon) who lives in the flat upstairs and sees them as father figures for advice about girls and jobs, and their close friend Violet Crosby (Frances de la Tour) who openly admits to having a sexual appetite for Ash, but later gets married to a scoundrel named Jasper. Their other visitors are old friends dotty Penelope (Marcia Warren) who gets confused over simple things, and Freddie's often sharp-tongued brother Mason (Philip Voss). Most episodes of all the series and the Christmas special consist of the banter between Freddie and Stuart, giving either useful advice to or mentoring Ash, Stuart talking to his mother who is remarkably still alive, Freddie finding rubbish acting or performing parts, listening to Violet's problems, and getting into some awkward, odd or sometimes outrageous situations. McKellen being posh and Jacobi being camp are gay in real life, they are convincing as the aging couple, de la Tour is amusing as the older woman lusting for the younger man, and Rheon is alright as the awkward but reasonably charming young man. I have to say that I do have a small soft spot for this programme, it is very predictable with its writing, performances and overall feel, but the homosexual relationship is original and there were some moments that made me laugh, so it's not a bad sitcom. Worth watching!

Prismark10 In 2011 the BBC debuted Mrs Brown's Boys, an old fashioned sitcom with some earthy language which from a critical mauling and low ratings have gone on to become a ratings juggernaut. At a similar time the BBC had another show Miranda, an old fashioned style sitcom which also did well in the ratings.ITV with green eyed jealousy thought we should have some of that and signed up thespian knights Derek Jacobi and Ian McKellen (gay in real life) to play a pair of bickering old Queens who have been together for five decades and who spend their time throwing barbs at each other growing old disgracefully.Plot. Ah there is a problem there is not one. ITV think that the audience will collapse in fits of laughter because Sir Derek and Sir Ian are insulting each other.You do not care about the characters, the lines are not funny. It lacks the wit, sophistication, craziness and sharpness of a classic like One Foot in the Grave which dealt with misbehaviour of old people much better.

pnighs04 I have been a fan of Sir Derek Jacobi since 1977 when I saw him in "I Claudius" and countless films, television productions, and live theater. Likewise, Sir Ian Mckellen. Two giants of the English stage and film subjecting themselves to this. OK, so we know they are openly gay in real life and perhaps they thought this would be amusing -- two catty septuagenarian who have shared most of their lives together -- always sniping at each other - Oh, and add to that wonderful bounty - Frances de la Tour -- an absolute delight -- what could go wrong? Oh dear, puhlenty, bad script, poor comic timing, stupid and trite plots that look at least 40 years old and just plain disbelief. I watched this on the plane coming back from Europe and had high hopes as I usually love most of what UK exports in film and TV. Not this time -- I almost felt embarrassed for these poor actors and can only hope it was only for a decent paycheck so they can go on and do "Major Barbara", "Uncle Vanya" or "Titus Andronicus" at the Barbican. Very wide off the mark

fgasparotto I thoroughly enjoyed this show.I saw a few episodes and I fell in love with all the characters. My best friends are gay couples and, in spite of the put downs, they do love each other. Well written, charmingly acted - it is a great show!I have always loved Derek Jacobi and Ian McKellan. I am a great fan of their work.They work well together and the Frances De La Tour character is a laugh riot.The young man that lives upstairs is a particular favourite of my fifteen year old daughter.I hope this show lasts for a long time!