Premise: Set in 18th-century London, “Harlots” provides a gritty look at the city’s sex trade from the perspective of both sex workers and their clients. The drama revolves around Margaret Wells, a brothel owner, and her daughters as they strive for both economic freedom and social standing amidst a cutthroat and morally complex environment.
Main Characters:
- Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) – The tenacious owner of a brothel who is fiercely protective of her daughters.
- Charlotte Wells (Jessica Brown Findlay) – Margaret’s older daughter, a coveted courtesan seeking independence.
- Lucy Wells (Eloise Smyth) – Margaret’s younger daughter, grappling with her mother’s expectations and the realities of the family business.
Themes: “Harlots” grapples with complex themes such as gender dynamics, power structures, economic disparity, and social inequality. The series gives a voice to marginalized women of the era, showcasing their struggle for agency and respect against societal norms that aim to repress them.
Critical Consensus & Rating: 4/5. Critics have commended the series for its strong female characters and the nuanced approach it takes to the subject matter, often shifting the lens to offer the women’s perspectives in an otherwise male-dominated world. Some critics argue that the story can veer into melodrama, but this is largely seen as a minor flaw.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating: The show has a TV-MA rating due to its mature themes, sexual content, and explicit language.
Broadcast Details: “Harlots” originally aired on Hulu in the United States and on ITV Encore in the United Kingdom. The show ran for three seasons from 2017 to 2019.
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