bradley walsh the larkins© Photo: ITV

The Larkins: Viewers divided over ITV’s new comedy drama

What did you think of the new series?

TV and film writer
October 11, 2021

ITV’s latest comedy drama The Larkins has certainly got viewers talking, and the response has been divided between devoted fans of the 1991 original and new fans of the reboot.

MORE: Bradley Walsh reveals he nearly got ‘crushed’ on The Larkins set

The series comes 30 years after the last adaptation of the novel by H.E. Bates, The Darling Buds of May, and follows The Larkins, a working-class family living on their farm in 1950s Kent.

WATCH: Have you caught up with the first episode yet?

Taking to Twitter to discuss the new remake, one viewer wrote: "Thought I would watch #TheLarkins, but it’s a no from me. Ma and Pa Larkin is and will always be David Jason and Pam Ferris," while another said: "The original was absolutely perfik in its capture of the life of the Larkins."

Another added: "NO, NO, NO. This didn't need to be done! If we want nostalgic, good old fashioned family viewing to warm us in these troubled times...just watch the bloody original! It was everything! David Jason and Pam Ferris will always be Pa and Ma Larkin."

MORE: BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker reveals Emma Thompson's sweet Strictly gesture

MORE: Gemma Atkinson talks 'practically no rehearsal time' as she reacts to Gorka Marquez's Strictly exit

However, the reaction was not all bad. The show also received positive reviews from viewers who enjoyed the relaxing Sunday night show. One person wrote: "Only 5 mins in and its just the nostalgic sunday-night, fuzzy-feeling feels I need whilst sipping my hot choc. Well done #TheLarkins," while another added: "Loved #TheLarkins great cast and great Sunday night viewing."

© Photo: ITV

Viewers were divided about last night's episode of the new ITV remake

A third person said: "Watched #TheLarkins last night and really enjoyed it. It took a bit to get into it, but that's because I'm used to fast paced, thriller type TV. This is just what my Sunday nights need. Looking forward to the next episode."

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more