Corfu Drama Notches Up Global Slots

LONDON: The ITV drama The Durrells, set in the 1930s on the Greek island of Corfu, has been licensed by BBC Worldwide into a host of European markets.

The Sid Gentle Films production based on Gerald Durrell’s Corfu trilogy is headed to SVT in Sweden, UTV in Iceland, ETV in Estonia, YLE in Finland, TV2 in Denmark, Latvian Television, Greece’s OTE and the Benelux via BBC First. Viewers in the Middle East will also be able to access the show on BBC First. Deals were also inked by BBC Worldwide with Seven in Australia and Sky in New Zealand.

“The Durrells has brought a little Greek sunshine into British living rooms so it’s only fair to return the favor by taking this wonderfully warm series to Greek audiences—and beyond,” said Paul Dempsey, the president of global markets at BBC Worldwide. “British drama has huge international appeal and the early success of this series across the world suggests we have another hit on our hands.”

Sally Woodward Gentle, Sid Gentle Films’s CEO and executive producer, noted, “I am delighted that The Durrells will air in so many countries and of course, in particular, Greece. We had a wonderful experience filming there last year and are all looking forward to returning for series two very soon. I hope that viewers in Greece will treat the series like they did Louisa and her brood—with curiosity, humor and warmth!”

Starring Keeley Hawes, the six-parter focuses on widow Louisa Durrell, who relocates from England to Corfu with her four children. It has been commissioned for a second season.