‘Three Little Birds’ reviews round-up: ‘Vivid’ new 1950s drama is ‘utterly charming’
The first reviews are in for Three Little Birds, which began last night!
Written by Sir Lenny Henry (The Long Song, Chef), ITV’s new life-affirming period drama comes from the team behind The Good Karma Hospital and the executive producer of Nolly.
Set in 1957, post-Windrush, Three Little Birds is inspired by Lenny Henry’s mother’s journey to Britain over 60 years ago.
Reviews from critics in today’s newspapers have been really positive on the whole, praising the show’s joy and charm amidst darker story elements, although several reviewers noted that the drama has been too sanitised.
Amidst the booming decade set alight by promise, the rhythm of rock and roll, swing, Hollywood starlets, and fabulous fashion, we’re introduced to gregarious sisters Leah (Rochelle Neil), and Chantrelle and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna, as they board a cruise ship from Jamaica bound for a new life in Blighty.
Three Little Birds is airing weekly in the UK at 8pm on Sunday nights on ITV1 through October and November, with all six episodes now streaming on ITVX.
We’ve rounded up a selection of spoiler-free reviews to help you decide if you’d like to watch the show:
“Lenny Henry’s gift for impressions turns out to be rooted in a much greater talent — a note-perfect ear for dialogue…
“He brings his characters to life with such vivid touches of speech, in his period drama Three Little Birds, it is no surprise to realise they are based on real people and on the tales his mother used to tell him.” ★★★★★ – Daily Mail
“Cast, script; it’s all masterfully done, and if Henry’s plotting is sometimes a little too indulgent when it comes to his use of flashbacks (interesting as they are, they bog down the action rather), who can blame him?
“This is a timely and well-told reminder of the sacrifices the Windrush generation made to come here and their resilience in not only surviving, but thriving – achievements we should be celebrating more.” ★★★★ – Evening Standard
“Resilience and humour in the face of blatant racism.” ★★★★ – The Times
“Lenny Henry’s Windrush drama is way too sanitised…
“The star’s semi-autobiographical period drama about Jamaican immigrants moving to England in the 50s fails to get under the skin of its characters. It needs more grit.” ★★ – The Guardian
“Happiness and hope are why we, as a people, have persevered. This ethos is crucially and heavily embedded in every facet of Three Little Birds. It is a large part of what makes the show so utterly charming and the drama uses comedy in a clever way to illustrate it…
“Three Little Birds never forgets to return to a place of joy that captures the heart and tenacity of a people whose spirit is stronger than their struggles.” ★★★★★ – Digital Spy
“With all the warmth and ease of Call the Midwife … Lenny Henry’s Windrush drama is sumptuous but sanitised.” ★★★ – The Telegraph
“A disturbing, effective look at how this country treated the Windrush generation.” ★★★★ – The Independent
Three Little Birds is expected to arrive on BritBox in the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Nordics in 2024.
Sir Lenny Henry’s memoir Who Am I, Again? is available on Amazon.