Latest news with #Harlots
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix snaps up sex-filled period drama with impressive 97% Rotten Tomatoes score - and it makes Bridgerton look tame
Netflix has snapped up a sex-filled period drama with an impressive 97 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score - and it makes Bridgerton look tame. Harlots, originally released in 2017 and previously broadcast by now-defunct channel ITV Encore and BBC Two, details the booming sex industry of 18th century London. The bawdy show follows feuding madams Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville) and the prostitutes who live in their brothels. All three series of the highly-rated programme, set in Georgian England in the 1760s, are now available to stream on Netflix, as of July 1. And its scandalous sex scenes outstrip even those of the streamer's period romp Bridgerton, known for its steamy moments and irresistible romances. The first episode of Harlots, for instance, sees Margaret sell her daughter's virginity to pay a fine after a night-watchmen's raid - and opens with a compilation of the 'Harlots' having sex with customers. Harlots boasts a star-studded cast, with Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) as a prostitute, Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) as an aspiring MP who uses her services and Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings) as an aristocrat. The programme was originally released on the ITV Encore channel, which was created in 2014 to show the channel's original drama, before its closure in 2018. Meanwhile, the series - influenced by 1700s prostitution guidebook Harris's List Of Covent Garden Ladies - was broadcast to American viewers via Hulu. The BBC acquired its UK broadcasting rights in 2020, which saw the show receive renewed attention. Actress Lesley said at the time, Radio Times reports: 'Yes! I hadn't thought of that, I hadn't thought of that at all. 'We finished season three and I think we all thought that was it. You know, there might be [a series renewal]! Let's start writing the letters now. 'I'd always be interested - obviously I'd be interested, I had nothing but a pleasurable time doing all three series, and it was one of those blissful jobs, so I'd definitely [give] that a lot of consideration but it's certainly not something that's been talked about. 'Maybe you could start a campaign.' But her plans are foiled when Lydia (pictured) orchestrates a raid of the area with the help of Florence Scanwell (Dorothy Atkinson) - a religious zealot who opposes sex work and becomes her pawn She said she felt it had been 'hidden away' in programming schedules upon its original release - so she was 'delighted' it was coming to the BBC at the time. Viewers were quick to take to X to comment on the risque show in 2020, when it was shown on BBC Two. One wrote: 'This started off with a bang in every sense of the word.' A second added: 'Spanking, nipples and bare bottoms so far on #harlots.' The programme starts with Margaret's daughter Lucy (Eloise Smyth) reading out reviews of the brothel's residents. Viewers are soon introduced to Nancy Birch (Kate Fleetwood) - a longtime friend and neighbour of Margaret who specialises in domination. They also meet sex workers Betsey Fletcher (Alexa Davies), Fanny Lambert (Bronwyn James) and Emily Lacey (Holli Dempsey). The latter deserted Margaret to work for rival Lydia - but soon found her stay in the elite brothel nowhere near as luxurious as she once imagined. Prostitute Emily Lacey (Holli Dempsey, pictured) deserted Margaret to work for rival Lydia - but soon found her stay in the elite brothel nowhere near as luxurious as she once imagined Margaret makes clear her ambitions to move to the more upmarket Greek Street in Soho. But her plans are foiled when Lydia orchestrates a raid of the area with the help of Florence Scanwell (Dorothy Atkinson) - a religious zealot who opposes sex work and becomes her pawn. The raid leaves Margaret with a £100 court fine - which she pays off by selling her youngest daughter's virginity. She sets up a plan to sell to the highest bidder, after previously refusing one of the brothel's client's offers of £50 to have sex with her daughter. Meanwhile, Margaret's oldest daughter Charlotte (Downton's Jessica) has a reputation as the city's most coveted courtesan. She is expected by Sir George Howard (Mamma Mia's Hugh) to sign a contract so he would formally become her 'keeper'. By becoming her keeper, George would pay for her lavish lifestyle in return for Charlotte having sex with nobody else and legally becoming his property. In one amusing scene, he gifts her a pineapple, which he believes to be the finest luxury available - and later dons her clothes as he waits for her to return home. But in a fit of jealousy, after discovering she had not been 'living like a nun' as promised, he successfully bids for Lucy's virginity. While the pair then do not have sex, he forces Lucy to say otherwise. Viewers were captivated by Hugh's character when the programme was aired on BBC Two in 2020 and laughed at the funny gesture of gifting a pineapple. 'No one wants a man who thinks she's a pineapple', wrote one, while a second joked: '"You are the pineapple of Great Britain." Imagine interrupting sex to say that.' A third commented: 'Just what every woman wants, a pineapple.' Some made comments on perceived inaccuracies in the show, saying it is not historically correct for the sex workers to have 'perfect hair and teeth'. The fourth instalment of the much-loved Netflix series (pictured) will return to screens in 2026 and as of May, 'Netflix has shared a huge update on the show's future' It comes hot on the heels of the success of Bridgerton for Netflix, with series five and six of the period drama now reportedly confirmed. The fourth instalment of the much-loved Netflix series will return to screens in 2026 and as of May, 'Netflix has shared a huge update on the show's future'. According to The Sun, Netflix has bagged a multi-million pound investment to make series five and six. A TV insider told the publication: 'After introducing the controversial gender swap at the end of series three which saw Michael Stirling switched to Michaela, there is a chance execs could skip ahead to Francesca's story. 'They certainly weren't afraid to dabble with Julia Quinn's timeline by swapping the order of Colin and Benedict's tales.' The comment was in reference to the introduction of Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), the cousin of Francesca Bridgerton's new husband John Stirling (Victor Alli), at the end of the last series. Michaela, based on a character in the original Bridgerton books called Michael, leaves Francesca speechless - opening up a new romantic prospect for her, despite her recent marriage. MailOnline contacted Netflix for comment about this at the time. Series four, meanwhile, will centre on the love story of Luke Thompson's character Benedict Bridgerton and a new leading lady Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha. Harlots is available to stream on Netflix. The guide to London's sex workers that inspired Harlots By Hallie Rubenhold for The Mail On Sunday Harlot was inspired by the real people and events depicted in Hallie Rubenhold's book, The Covent Garden Ladies, which details the story behind one of history's most notorious publications, The Harris's List Of Covent Garden Ladies. At the beginning of Harlots, there is a flurry of excitement as the latest edition of The Harris's List, a guide to the capital's sex workers, arrives from the bookseller. All of the 'ladies of pleasure' are eager to hear what has been written about them, anxious that whatever is said will make or break their careers in the sex trade. Scenes like this would have unfolded every Christmas between 1757 and 1795 when the guide rolled off the presses. The Lists were more than just a dry catalogue of names and addresses, but a wittily written chronicle of London's sex trade. Each edition contained information about the women who worked in it, providing details of their ages, physical appearance and sexual specialities as well as stories about these women's lives. The thousands of women from all walks of life who featured in its pages include the likes of Miss Noble who was known for her 'skill in the reviving the dead' with her tongue of 'double charm', or Miss West 'who can pick her gallant's pocket very coolly' while in the act. Miss Love of 14 George Street is celebrated for her 'dark complexion'. The lists are filled with others who led lives as actresses, servants, shopkeepers, nursemaids and even a number who were married women. They ran the gamut in terms of age and appearance, from those described as 'true beauties' to others referred to as 'veterans in the field of Venus'. Not all were confined to brothels. The Harris's List show that women often shared accommodation with other sex workers or lodged with ordinary families, such as green grocers and cabinet makers. Although Covent Garden was the centre of sin, filled with theatres, taverns, coffee houses and bath houses, there was no designated red-light district, and women lived in virtually every neighbourhood, from Fitzrovia to Mayfair, from Holborn to the City. The Harris's List cost two shillings and sixpence, which pushed it far out of range of the ordinary working man. Those women who appeared on it catered almost exclusively to middle-class men and above, but the sex trade catered to every strata of society, from the Prince to the dock worker.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix just made all 3 seasons of 'addictive' period drama available to stream
Fancy a feminist take on 18th century sex work that blends history and fiction for a smutty romp? Netflix now has you covered. The ITV period drama Harlots has a Vincent Van Gogh category of TV reputation, as a show never properly appreciated in its time, but held in tremendously high esteem by those that did tune in. Starring Lesley Manville, Liv Tyler and Samantha Morton, the show is set on the streets and in the brothels of Georgian England in the 1760s, as two warring madams battle it out. It's an age-old tale of David and Goliath, with the upstart Margaret Wells (Morton) jostling for custom against the established Lydia Quigley (Manville). Yet nobody is covered in glory on the sex-for-sale scene. Quigley doesn't care whether her girls live or die if she can curry aristocratic favour, while Wells is prepared to sell her daughters' virginities to the highest bidder. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Harlots has a twisty plot and scenes that blend 18th century history with modern touches to an effect that fans of the now-cancelled The Great will relish. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The frothy drama was a short-lived three-season affair on the similarly short-lived channel ITV Encore. Manville has chalked up the show's struggle to gain traction to being squirreled away in the schedules (via RadioTimes). The BBC then picked up Harlots in 2020, treating the existing seasons to the primetime slot they deserved in order to fill the schedule amid a TV shortage during the pandemic. Manville has said she would be very much up for a fourth season of the show, after its untimely conclusion. 'I'd always be interested – obviously I'd be interested,' she said during a press event. 'I had nothing but a pleasurable time doing all three series, and it was one of those blissful jobs. 'I'd definitely [give] that a lot of consideration but it's certainly not something that's been talked about.' More Trending The show's three seasons – which are now all available on Netflix –currently hold a 97% rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with a set of glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike. A review in Black Girl Nerds described the show as 'an addictive and binge worthy' watch, while a write-up in Time magazine said: 'Come for the strong female-driven storylines and stay for the truly memorable costumes.' Meanwhile, The Times hailed it as a 'riotous period drama' and The Guardian said it was 'obscenely watchable'. Walk, don't run. View More » Harlots is available to stream on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Major WWE SmackDown spoilers as iconic star returns on Friday's episode MORE: Ranvir Singh reveals terrifying side effect she developed when drink was spiked MORE: Women's Euro 2025 TV channel schedule: How to watch every game in the UK
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix adds seasons of 'exceptional' period drama fans did not want to end
Netflix has added a period drama that has been compared to Bridgerton and Shameless All episodes of a simmering period drama often compared to a fusion of Bridgerton and Shameless will soon be dropped by Netflix. Originally crafted through collaboration between ITV and Hulu, Harlots first graced screens in 2017 and is slated for release on the streaming giant starting this Tuesday (July 1). The series draws its inspiration from Hallie Rubenhold's non-fiction work 'The Covent Garden Ladies'. Although Starzplay initially introduced it to UK viewers, the BBC snapped up the rights in 2020. Now, as the show settles into its new residence on Netflix, it stands ready to captivate a fresh audience. Harlots dives into the tale of Margaret Wells, who runs a brothel and ambitiously seeks to cater to the affluent crowd of Soho, London. However, her endeavours pitch her against Lydia, a fierce rival madam, and Wells' former boss. In 2019, The Guardian ran a critique hailing Harlots as 'the best show you're not watching'. These words were penned shortly before the curtain fell on its third and conclusive season, reports Surrey Live. Yet, the drama has garnered acclaims far and wide, leading to an impressive 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. One review read: "This is a new style of historical drama, comparable perhaps to The Favourite but faster moving - and it's also differently inflected in being a show almost entirely created by women." Another critic raved: "Harlots is a jaw-dropping drama that won't give you easy answers or trite comforts, though it will take you on an emotional ride through the ups and downs of being a sex worker (of any status) in 18th century England." A third reviewer enthused: "Come for the strong female-driven storylines and stay for the truly memorable costumes." Viewers who have already devoured the show are equally effusive in their praise. One fan shared their thoughts online, saying: "Initially, you might think this is a risqué, late-night series, but I'm so glad I stumbled upon it. This is an exceptional period drama that explores themes of patriarchy, survival, sexual empowerment, social status, and class. With few likeable characters, the tension is palpable from start to finish." Another fan described the series as a mashup of 'Bridgerton meets Shameless', while someone else gushed: "AMAZING! it's so addictive, the story line is absolutely fabulous and you're always wondering what will happen next!". A fellow viewer confessed: "I'm finally getting around to watching this show and I'm obsessed. Can't believe there won't be a season 4. Brilliant character development, wonderful acting. I am on the edge of my seat to see what the characters will do next. I don't want it to end."
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Seductive' and 'provocative' period drama leaves fans 'breathless'
Harlots is a British period drama that first aired in 2017 and has since been a hit with viewers, who have been left 'screaming at the TV like a crazy person' This hidden gem of a TV series has been garnering heaps of praise from fans, with its celebration of stellar actresses bringing to life the risqué tale at its core. Harlots transports viewers to 18th-century London, drawing inspiration from The Covent Garden Ladies by British historian Hallie Rubenhold. Samantha Morton shines as Margaret Wells, who bravely runs a brothel while contending with the few options available to women - marriage or sex work. Religious officials are hell-bent on shuttering the 'houses of ill-repute', urging police to clamp down and conduct raids. An fan shared their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes, saying: "Harlots is a spectacular show that helps us understand what life was like for women in 1763. There is drama, murder, sex, and money. What's not to love? "If you haven't checked this show out yet. Please do! You are missing out. Season 2 stepped up its game. I am on the edge of my seat every episode, screaming at the TV like a crazy person", reports Surrey Live. The acting chops demonstrated by the ensemble cast really shine through and it's quite the line-up. With BAFTA laureate Lesley Manville, Lord of the Rings alumnus Liv Tyler, along with Jessica Findlay, Dorothy Atkinson and more, Harlots boasts an array of characters that resonate deeply with the portrayal of the female experience of those times. One captivated viewer wrote: "This show continues to be incredible. Its nonstop, raucous, vibrant, glam energy showcases stories about the most objectified, vulnerable women refusing to relinquish their inner power to a system hellbent on squashing them beneath its boot heel. These women aren't perfect, but they inspire. Samantha Morton is amazing." Others were left astounded by the show's sensual allure. "Provocative doesn't even begin to describe properly this smooth zeal of this show," they noted. "The costumes, the colour in the clothes, and the art of how they speak – it is all together a suspenseful and seductive ride." First hitting screens in 2017, Harlots enjoyed three successful seasons before drawing to a close in 2019. It appears the series bowed out on a high note, with viewers praising the "strong" conclusion of the third and final season. And now I'm disappointed that it seems the series is over. ". To join in on the buzz, all episodes of Harlots are available for streaming on Amazon Prime with a premium subscription.
