Starlings is a British comedy-drama written by Steve Edge and Matt King who also play the roles of Fergie and Uncle Loz. It is one of the few new television comedy series that has been commissioned and aired on Sky1.
The Starlings are a normal brood getting on with life in Matlock, Derbyshire, tackling obstacles as and when they come, and they've got a fair few in this first episode. Terry and Jan have just moved Grandad into their already-crammed home - following an unspecified incident at the retirement home - to share with none-too-pleased teen Charlie, and now they're preparing for one more arrival. It's only small and due any minute as daughter Bell goes into labour via a birthing pool in the living room. Then there's Grandad's illegitimate son and, erm, interesting artist Loz, Jan's nephew and returning traveller Fergi out in the caravan and Bell's ex-boyfriend Reuben, who's determined to make things right and get Bell back. Throw in Terry's suspicious phone calls and oddball son Gravy losing one of his friends of the "four-legged and four-armed" variety, and it's fair to say that our weekly visits to the Starlings nest are going to be pretty eventful.
Charlie joins her father's electrical business and has to cope with a hectic schedule of appointments, her first task being to work her charm on the company's elderly clients. Meanwhile, Reuben searches for a job, Gravy ponders an exciting new venture, and the family rallies around Uncle Loz as he makes his debut at a local art exhibition
Jan takes a brief reprieve from the chaos of domesticity to embrace her inner author for a short story competition in Derbyshire Life. However, Grandad is acting more strangely than usual.
While Jan feels Gravy has some growing up to do, Terry would appreciate it if Charlie took time out from being a teen. Bell and Reuben make progress.
Fergie finds himself behind bars and a panicked Jan prepares for book club. Meanwhile, Grandad gets ready and sets off for a very important date.
Terry and Jan celebrate their anniversary and, for once, they've got the place to themselves. For Fergie, Lodz and co, though, a disastrous camping trip awaits.
Loz and Fergie must overcome a girlfriend-shaped obstacle, and things go from bad to worse for Bell and Reuben. Charlie catches the eye of a talent scout.
The cockles-warming comedy flies the nest. Grandad receives a fleeting visit from his best mate, and Terry steps in to bring Belle and Reuben back together.
