Most critics welcome The Durrells as gentle, funny family television, with all seven reviews positive. Praise centres on Keeley Hawes as Louisa, whose handling of the frazzled, spirited mother gives the family’s quarrels and adventures a dependable centre. The Corfu locations, animals and convivial supporting characters contribute to its appeal, while the warmer notices find emotional depth beneath the light escapism. Humour and charm are the consistent points of agreement across reviews of both the opening and final series.
The differences are chiefly in enthusiasm, with little substantial dissent. The Times acknowledges an initially uninspired feel but finds that the one-liners and Hawes’s performance supply the necessary charm. Digital Spy describes the family story as twee but appealing, whereas Paste places greater emphasis on its emotional depth and low-stakes pleasures. The spread runs from qualified approval to wholehearted affection, rather than any dispute about what the programme offers.