The period drama The Durrells, which first aired on ITV in 2016, is now available to stream on Disney+. The series is based on Gerald Durrell's autobiographical memoir My Family and Other Animals and follows the Durrell family as they leave England for a new life on the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s.
Plot and Cast
The story centres on Louisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes) and her four children, ranging in age from 11 to 21. Upon arriving in Greece, they are shocked to find a rundown villa with no electricity, little money, and a language barrier. The family must quickly adapt to their new surroundings. The cast includes All Creatures Great and Small star Callum Woodhouse, The Crown's Josh O'Connor, Miss Austen's Keeley Hawes, and The Capture's Daisy Waterstone. Also appearing are Milo Parker, Anna Savva, Alexis Georgoulis, and Yorgos Karamihos.
Series Conclusion
The show concluded in 2019, followed by a special feature-length documentary titled What the Durrells Did Next, hosted by Keeley Hawes. The documentary explores the family's adventures after leaving Corfu in 1939. 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."
Critical Acclaim
Since its release, the series has received widespread praise. One viewer called it "a nice Masterpiece." Another described it as "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 said: "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." Another added: "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+.
