‘Masterpiece’ period drama ‘better than All Creatures Great and Small’ streaming now
The series was first released back in 2016 and is based on the autobiographical memoirs of Gerald Durrell.
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The Durrells first aired on ITV back in 2016(Image: YOUTUBE/ITV)
Ten years ago, a new period drama had the nation hooked when it first aired on ITV.
The Durrells, which is an adaptation of Gerald Durrell’s memoir, My Family and Other Animals, follows one family who decide to leave their lives in England behind for a different lifestyle abroad.
Set in the 1930s, the family consists of mother Louisa (played by Keeley Hawes) and her four children, who range in age from 11 to 21.
When they arrive in Greece, the family are in for a shock when they have no electricity in their rundown villa, little money and have to deal with the massive language barrier, forcing them to quickly adapt.
It features the likes of All Creatures Great and Small star Callum Woodhouse, The Crown’s Josh O’Connor, Miss Austen’s Keeley Hawes and The Capture star Daisy Waterstone.
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The series is based on the autobiographical memoirs of Gerald Durrell(Image: YOUTUBE/ITV)
Also starring in the show are the likes of Milo Parker, Anna Savva, Alexis Georgoulis and Yorgos Karamihos.
A synopsis for the show 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.”
Sadly, the show came to an end in 2019, with a special feature-length documentary titled What the Durrells Did Next airing straight after. Fronted by Keeley Hawes, it allowed viewers to know the adventures of the eccentric Durrell family once they left Corfu in 1939.
Speaking about the series coming to an end at the time, Josh O’Connor said: “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.
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Josh O’Connor spoke about the beloved period drama coming to an end(Image: YOUTUBE/ITV)
“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 the series was released, it’s received nothing but praise from fans across the world, with the show also airing in America.
One person said: “A nice Masterpiece.” Someone else added: “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.”
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People have had nothing but praise for the series since it first aired
Another wrote: “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 person 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+
SOURCE: WALESONLINE