The Durrells, a period drama based on Gerald Durrell's memoir My Family and Other Animals, is being hailed a 'must watch' as it gains new fans a decade after its debut on ITV. The series follows the Durrell family as they leave England for the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s, facing a dilapidated villa with no electricity, little money, and a language barrier.
Cast and Story
The show stars Keeley Hawes as mother Louisa, with Callum Woodhouse (All Creatures Great and Small), Josh O'Connor (The Crown), Daisy Waterstone (The Capture), and Milo Parker, Anna Savva, Alexis Georgoulis, and Yorgos Karamihos in supporting roles. The synopsis reads: 'Louisa Durrell raises her four children single-handedly after her husband's death. Following a financial crisis, the family moves to the Greek island of Corfu and tries to adapt to life there.'
Ending and Acclaim
The series concluded in 2019 with a feature-length documentary What the Durrells Did Next, presented by Keeley Hawes. Josh O'Connor reflected on the ending: 'When I arrived in Corfu for the series, I thought it would be fine but actually when I left the island, it was incredibly sad and teary. The hardest bit was saying goodbye to the Greek crew because most of them have been with us from the beginning. A lot of the crew were from the local area and they've come on this journey with us.'
Since its release, the show has garnered widespread acclaim. One viewer wrote: 'A nice Masterpiece.' Another said: 'A Heartwarming Family Tale. I'm so very glad I've never read the books, so I'm able to watch the show and enjoy it for what it is: a touching, brilliantly produced coming of age story/mature romance/family drama.' A third fan added: 'Viewed with delight. Exquisite. Simply delightful. This show is perhaps the most beautiful, heart-warming, and utterly charming thing I've seen in a long while. Literally every aspect of it is perfect.' A fourth commented: 'Love it! Can't wait for more! I had not heard of or read the book, but I am really loving this show. The characters are well developed, the setting fantastic, and the verbal exchanges appropriate for the emotional roller-coasters being depicted.'
The Durrells is available to stream on Disney+.
