The Durrells in Corfu

Network: PBS.
Episodes: 26 (hour).
Seasons: Four.

TV show dates: October 16, 2016 — November 3, 2019.
Series status: Ended.

Performers include: Keeley Hawes, Josh O’Connor, Callum Woodhouse, Daisy Waterstone, Milo Parker, Alexis Georgoulis, Yorgos Karamihos, Lucy Black, Leslie Caron, Anna Savva, Errika Bigiou, and Ulric von der Esch.

TV show description:
Based on the autobiographical book trilogy from Gerald Durrell, The Durrells in Corfu TV show centers on the Durrell family during their years on the Greek Island of Corfu. The comedic drama centers on Louisa Durrell (Hawes) who, along with her four children, leaves 1930s England for the sunny Greek Isles.

A widow for the past eight years, Louisa must come to terms with the fact that her late husband’s money is just about gone. With her four kids between the challenging ages of 11 and 21, this mother must admit something has to give. Once in Corfu, the Durrell offspring go on the hunt to find their mother a new mate.

Bright and curious, Louisa wants the best for her family, which she knows includes some fun and happiness. While her children are her delight, they might also be the death of her. It is only as they’ve started to grow up that she has even entertained the idea that she might like a man in her life.

At age 21, Lawrence (O’Connor) feels all grown up and ready to serve as the man of the house, even though his mother compares that to putting “a lunatic in charge of the asylum.” With big dreams of making it as a novelist, Larry is the one who steers the family toward Corfu.

As the second son, 18-year-old Leslie (Woodhouse) often feels like the family oddball. Putting up with Larry’s teasing and bullying leaves him moody at times. Les is convinced he is the victim of bad luck and is more interested in guns and hunting than in getting an actual job.

As the only girl in the Durrell brood, Margo puts herself forth as a dim bulb, even though she is not. While she is somewhat neurotic about her appearance, the young men of Corfu are taken with her. Still, her mother wants this girl to grow past her boy-crazy phase and make something of herself, for her own sake.

At the tender age of 11, Gerald (Parker) often seems to be the most mature of Louisa’s children and doesn’t miss a trick, when it comes to his family. He is crazy about animals and may be a naturalist in the making. If only he’d pay as much attention to his studies as he does to Corfu’s critters, Gerry might not be a bad student.

Thank goodness for Spiro Hakaiopulos (Georgoulis), Corfu’s resident Mister Fix-It. An Anglophile who spent time in Chicago, Spiro is the local cabbie and knows everyone. Although he’s rather solicitous of Louisa and would be a good match for her, this helpful neighbor is already married.

Finally, there’s Theo Stephanides (Karamihos). Intellectually inclined and a nature lover, there’s nothing Theo doesn’t know — just ask him. While their shared interests would make him a terrific stepfather for young Gerry, he’s too busy with all of his pursuits to look for love.

Will the Durrell kids settle in and settle down, now that they’re on Corfu? Will they ever find a man worthy of their mother? Stay tuned.

Series Finale:
Episode #26
With storm clouds gathering, the island realizes it can no longer ignore the rumblings of war just as it looks as though the Durrells may have found their happy ending.
First aired: November 3, 2019.

What do you think? Do you like The Durrells in Corfu TV series? Should this TV show have ended or been renewed for a fifth season on PBS?