Critically Acclaimed Period Drama Harlots Now Free to Stream
A beloved period drama that has drawn comparisons to the epic series Game of Thrones is currently available to stream for free on U. The show, titled Harlots, first premiered in 2017 and has earned an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as a critically acclaimed production.
Historical Setting and Plot Overview
Set against the vibrant and gritty backdrop of 18th century London, Harlots chronicles the compelling story of brothel keeper Margaret Wells, portrayed by Samantha Morton. Margaret is fiercely determined to secure a better future for her daughters, Charlotte, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, and Lucy, portrayed by Eloise Smyth.
The narrative unfolds as religious campaigners intensify their efforts to shut down London's brothels, creating a tense atmosphere. Margaret finds herself locked in a bitter rivalry with Lydia Quigley, a rival madam played by Lesley Manville, who schemes to undermine Margaret's business operations at every turn.
Inspiration and Historical Accuracy
The three-season drama draws direct inspiration from historian Hallie Rubenhold's meticulously researched book, The Covent Garden Ladies. Rubenhold's work delves into Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies, an annual catalogue documenting sex workers in Georgian London from 1760 to 1794, alongside the personal stories of the women featured within its pages.
Harlots offers a dramatised yet insightful portrayal of these women's experiences, blending historical context with engaging storytelling to highlight their struggles and resilience.
Audience Reception and Fan Praise
On IMDb, viewers have heaped praise on the series, with one describing it as "deliciously outstanding" and "so much more than sex." The fan elaborated, "I was looking for a period drama and decided to give Harlots a go. I was not disappointed at all. It's a TV show about women to women, and the fact that it's about prostitutes might make you think it's superficial, but we couldn't be more wrong."
Another viewer expressed pleasant surprise, stating, "I just wanted to say that this programme is so much better than I thought it would be. I actually care about the characters. The sex scenes don't seem gratuitous because of the subject matter. It's a fascinating insight into 18th-century England."
A third fan highlighted the show's addictive quality, noting it features "Game of Throne-esque betrayal, alliances, bribery, coercion, corruption, politics, sex, and revenge," drawing a direct parallel to the popular fantasy series.
Availability and Streaming Details
All three seasons of Harlots are now accessible for streaming. The series can be viewed for free on U, and it is also available on Netflix, providing multiple options for audiences to dive into this gripping historical drama.
