The Darling Buds of May (TV series) The Darling Buds of May (TV series) The Darling Buds of May is an English comedy drama television series, produced by Yorkshire Television for the ITV network, first broadcast between 7 April 1991 and 4 April 1993. It is an adaptation of the 1958 novel of the same name, and its sequels, by H. E. Bates. Set in rural 1950s Kent, it follows the life of the Larkin family. It starred David Jason as "Pop" Larkin alongside Pam Ferris as "Ma" Larkin, with Catherine Zeta-Jones playing their eldest daughter Mariette, who marries tax inspector Cedric "Charlie" Charlton, played by Philip
The Darling Buds of May (TV series) of good ratings due to dull weather and the belief that people would be looking for something to lift their spirits following the end of the Gulf War. Jason attributed the series' popularity to the public wanting a more wholesome, inclusive and inoffensive viewing option at a time when violence on television was increasing. This was one of the main reasons he decided to take the role. The series generated an upsurge in sales of H. E. Bates's novels. The series is based on the works of H. E. Bates, who died in 1974. Having moved from the industrialised English