‘Masterpiece’ pirate comedy series set in 1717 hailed 'best of its kind'

Fans are raving over a period sitcom set among the world of pirates in the 18th century – and plenty have branded it a “masterpiece”. Launched in 2022, the series became an instant hit in cult circles, cited as “one of the best” sitcoms of recent years. Streaming on HBO Max and for free on BBC iPlayer, prepare to immerse yourself in the dastardly antics of Blackbeard – played by Taika Waititi.

Boasting Rhys Darby, Joel Fry, Rory Kinnear and Ewen Bremner among its cast, Our Flag Means Death follows gentleman-turned-rogue Stede Bonnet, who leads his crew on the ship Revenge as they struggle to make a name for themselves as pirates in 1717. Along the way, Stede falls in love with pirate captain Blackbeard, with the show being praised for its LGBTQ+ representation.

Sadly despite its monumental success, Our Flag Means Death was axed after two seasons in 2024, in an attempt to cut costs at HBO Max. Fans still have 18 episodes available to watch – and the reviews speak for themselves.

One reviewer raved: “I watched Our Flags Means Deaths with my family and we all loved it. It's a smart and unique comedy, a butterfly inducing rom-com and a well crafted historical drama that will have you at the edge of your seat.”

Someone else agreed: “This show was and is absolutely everything to me when it first came out, and then it hit even greater heights with its second session. This is such an interesting and characterful show from the outset, the comedy and light tone are perfectly balanced with great emotional range and story.”

And a third praised it: “Brilliant writing, comedic and dramatic acting, romantic chemistry, improvisations, and dark humour. 10/10, would not change a thing (beyond wanting more episodes). I am not a pirate person or even really a TV rom-com person, but I loved every moment of both seasons.

“There's a lot of fun absurdity, like anachronisms within otherwise historically accurate plots, people recovering quickly from serious stab wounds, etc. The romances always feel real though.”