The Larkins has divided viewers as the show’s penultimate episode aired on ITV last night (November 7).
Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlon front the reboot of the 1990s hit – The Darling Buds of May – as they take on Pop and Ma Larkin.
But what did fans think of the latest episode? And will The Larkins return for a second series?
The Larkins on ITV
The ITV series is a six part season, with the finale episode coming out next week.
But as the show’s fifth episode aired on Sunday evening, viewers appeared divided over the remake.
Taking to Twitter, many praised the series as it returned to screens.
Read more: Bradley Walsh breaks his silence on secretly becoming a grandfather for the first time
One shared: “#TheLarkins set up well for next week, another enjoyable episode lots of funny moments.”
Another said: “#TheLarkins Lovely Sunday evening telly. What’s not to like?”
A third added: “Going to be controversial but I’m actually really [heart emoji] #thelarkins.”
However, others were disappointed and still not won over by the series.
#TheLarkins set up well for next week, another enjoyable episode lots of funny moments.
— Daniel Brown (@DanJBrownMUFC) November 7, 2021
#TheLarkins Lovely Sunday evening telly. What's not to like?
— Simes (@TVSimes) November 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/FinlaysonGail/status/1457452551364808714
https://twitter.com/patriciarreade/status/1457450302257369095
https://twitter.com/Sebmeister/status/1457453587668344833
#thelarkins I wonder who writes this stuff! and who thought sticking someone under a tree in the woods in 1950s!! pre Beatles Kent with an instrument (Sitar) that virtually nobody would have seen or heard of was a good idea!…..it all looks like it's made up as they go along
— david barry cox (@davidbarrycox1) November 7, 2021
#TheLarkins pic.twitter.com/xYNCVEwmMI
— Elizabeth R (@ladydaisy27) November 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/stevemarwood1/status/1457451410564567042
@ITV #thelarkins What rubbish, nothing like Darling Buds of May and nothing like life in Kent in the 50s. Don't bother
— simonbn3 (@Brightovian) November 7, 2021
How did viewers react?
One said: “#TheLarkins I wonder who writes this stuff! and who thought sticking someone under a tree in the woods in 1950s!! pre Beatles Kent with an instrument (Sitar) that virtually nobody would have seen or heard of was a good idea!… it all looks like it’s made up as they go along.”
A second tweeted: “#TheLarkins didn’t think it could get any worse but I’m afraid it is, week by week, script, storylines, authenticity, the lot.”
Another complained: “#TheLarkins is not what I imagined. The Tom character is one of the worst, poorly written characters in the series. Had to turn it off 10 minutes in.
Blown it ITV!
“As much as I admire Bradley Walsh the series struggles, lacks real characterization. Rather @ITV re-ran Vera or The Darling Buds.”
A fourth stated: “@ITV #TheLarkins What rubbish, nothing like Darling Buds of May and nothing like life in Kent in the 50s. Don’t bother.”
A sixth added: “#TheLarkins I loved the original series but was happy to give a remake a chance. Blown it @itv. It lacks something… Ma is so hard faced, Mariette looks like her siblings, Mum actress far too old. The vicar… just no. Storylines a bit carry on… such a shame.”
Is The Larkins returning for a second series?
According to The Sun, creators are “putting the wheels in motion” for a second series.
The follow-up could be filmed next year if schedules align.
A TV insider told the publication: “The Larkins has turned out to be the Sunday night hit they hoped it would be.
Read more: The Larkins star Joanna Scanlan’s breakdown and the ‘unconventional’ doctor’s advice that saved her
“The show has got around 4million viewers an episode. But they have been thrilled by the fact it’s been watched by almost an equal number on the ITV Hub.”
The source added that “Bradley is particularly enthusiastic about a sequel”.
ED! has contacted ITV for comment on this story.
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