Watch Being Eileen

Being Eileen is a heartwarming family sitcom that originally aired on BBC One in 2013. The show follows the life of Eileen Lewis (Sue Johnston), a widowed mother and grandmother who is getting ready to wave her three grown-up children goodbye as they leave the family home. Feeling lonely and somewhat directionless, Eileen decides to sell up and relocate to sunny Southport, where she can start a new life and finally fulfill her dream of becoming a "lady of leisure".

However, Eileen quickly comes to realize that life isn't always smooth sailing, and the move proves to be more challenging than expected. As she tries to settle into her new home and make new friends, Eileen comes face to face with a host of unexpected obstacles, from difficult neighbors to demanding relatives, all while trying to keep her children at bay from interfering with her newfound autonomy.

Yet the greatest challenge of all comes in the form of her family, who begin to feel uneasy about Eileen being on her own and insist on coming down to check on her frequently. As a result, Eileen finds herself constantly defending her independence and trying to show her children that she's capable of standing on her own two feet.

Despite these setbacks, the show manages to maintain a light-hearted and comedic tone throughout, thanks largely to its excellent cast. Sue Johnston, who is best known for her work on The Royle Family, delivers a standout performance as Eileen, imbuing the character with a mix of cheeky charm, stubbornness, and vulnerability. Meanwhile, her three children, played by Elizabeth Berrington, William Ash, and Pauline Collins, offer a perfect balance of love, frustration, and exasperation as they try to navigate their mother's newfound freedom.

One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to blend humor with more serious, emotional moments. While the show is undeniably funny, it also has a depth and warmth to it that keeps viewers engaged and invested in the characters. Whether it's Eileen trying to cope with her loneliness, or her children struggling to come to terms with the fact that their mother is moving on, the show always manages to treat its characters with sensitivity and respect.

Another standout aspect of Being Eileen is its depiction of life for older people. The show is refreshingly honest about the challenges that come with aging, from health problems to loneliness to losing loved ones, but it also celebrates the joys and opportunities that come with getting older. Eileen is a vibrant, dynamic character who refuses to be defined by her age, and her story is a reminder that life doesn't end when you hit retirement age.

Overall, Being Eileen is a charming, poignant, and often hilarious sitcom that is well worth a watch. Whether you're a fan of Sue Johnston, a lover of family dramas, or simply looking for a feel-good show to brighten up your day, this is a series that's sure to delight.