Disney+ subscribers are falling in love all over again with The Durrells — the heartwarming British period drama that some fans are hailing as even better than Downton Abbey. The acclaimed ITV series, which originally aired in 2016, has now landed a fresh streaming home on Disney+ in the UK, where all four seasons are available to watch with a new or existing subscription. The show’s return to the spotlight has introduced it to a new generation of viewers discovering its charm for the first time.
Based on Gerald Durrell’s best-selling trilogy, The Durrells tells the story of Louisa Durrell, played by Keeley Hawes, who moves her chaotic but loveable family from Bournemouth to the sun-soaked Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s following the sudden death of her husband. The cast features Josh O’Connor in his breakout TV role as eldest son Lawrence, alongside Milo Parker as Gerald, Callum Woodhouse as Leslie and Daisy Waterstone as the family’s only daughter, Margo.
Critics and audiences were quick to embrace the show’s charm. The Durrells picked up a BAFTA and TV Choice Award for Best Drama Series in 2017, while seasons 2 and 3 still hold a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Keeley Hawes received widespread praise for her role, with the Los Angeles Times writing: “The Durrells in Corfu is indisputably Hawes’ show. She gives a dryly hilarious performance as Louisa, a woman who remains vibrant and adventurous, despite what life has dealt her.”
The central family dynamics also resonated with viewers. The Wall Street Journal called the Durrells “irresistible,” while Decider described the show as “full of really sharp jokes and an entire community of hilariously quirky characters.”
Although The Durrells came to an end in 2019 after four series, the love for the show hasn’t faded. O’Connor, who went on to star in The Crown and Challengers, has previously credited the series with launching his career.
“The Durrells was my first leading role in a television series and I got to work with one of our greatest British actresses, so I guess it started everything for me,” he told Masterpiece. “It feels like it was the beginning of everything for me so I do credit what’s gone on since to taking the role of Larry.”
For fans of sun-drenched escapism, razor-sharp wit, and feel-good family storytelling, The Durrells is the perfect summer binge.
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