The Family (1971 TV series)

The Family was a British television drama series that aired on ITV from 1971 to 1972. It was a groundbreaking and controversial program that presented a fly-on-the-wall documentary-style portrayal of the lives of a real working-class family, the Wilkins family, living in Reading, England.

The series was notable for its unscripted and often raw depiction of family life, including arguments, financial difficulties, and the everyday routines of its members. It aimed to provide an authentic and unvarnished view of the challenges and joys of working-class existence.

The Family was produced by Roland Joffé, who later directed the films The Killing Fields and The Mission. The series was filmed over several months, and the resulting footage was edited into twelve episodes.

Due to its candid portrayal of family dynamics and its often-unflattering depiction of the Wilkins family, the series generated considerable controversy and debate. Some viewers found it to be a realistic and insightful portrayal of working-class life, while others criticized it for exploiting the family and for its lack of privacy.

Despite the controversy, The Family is considered a significant and influential program in the history of British television. It helped to pave the way for future reality television programs and documentary series and remains a landmark example of observational filmmaking. The series also raised important questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking and the responsibilities of television producers towards their subjects.