I absolutely hated this when I started watching it. It felt like a rip-off Bridgerton. And in many ways it is. It was Bridgerton but not as good. I almost stopped watching. But then something odd happened. Partway through episode two, I began to enjoy it a bit more. A storyline of sorts began to develop. Someone's said the acting was bad. It wasn't. In fact, there are some good, well-known actors in the show. What irked, initially, was probably more the fault of the director than the actors - the vacuous cheerleader type vibe, which didn't sit well with 1870s England. It was also a mistake copying Bridgerton and using a modern music score. That jarred. And where it worked in Bridgerton, it didn't here. But even so, as the story and characters (along with their secrets) developed, I found myself pretty hooked on this. Is it historically accurate? Nope. Is it slightly the wrong side of light and frothy? Yes. But it's also quite addictive. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't watching it and wanting to get back to the characters. There's also a darkness (particularly with one character) which helps to take the edge off the fluff. It's not a long series and, by the end, I wished it had been longer. I really hope a second season is on the way.
64 Reviews
... 50/50 you'll stay
bjarias15 November 2023
... one critic's comments... "The Buccaneers, a refreshing take on the period drama genre, exploring the clash of cultures and the pursuit of love and ambition with a modern sensibility, all within the enchanting setting of 1870s London. Its bold and unapologetic approach might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it undeniably adds a unique flavor to the genre."
... an ok show, well done for the most part... you'll know within the first episode if you're going to be sticking with it week to week... it's entertaining to a 6 of 10, really not much more... acting like it's trying to be, yet Bridgerton it's not
... 12.14.23 - quite the S1 ending ... night b4 wedding, hubby-to-be out on some balcony drinking, while fiance's 'bedroom-entertaining'.. and that's only one of the pairings... S2 coming ... (and actually early-episodes new-Bridgerton's-boring)
... an ok show, well done for the most part... you'll know within the first episode if you're going to be sticking with it week to week... it's entertaining to a 6 of 10, really not much more... acting like it's trying to be, yet Bridgerton it's not
... 12.14.23 - quite the S1 ending ... night b4 wedding, hubby-to-be out on some balcony drinking, while fiance's 'bedroom-entertaining'.. and that's only one of the pairings... S2 coming ... (and actually early-episodes new-Bridgerton's-boring)
Wharton's unfinished work gets a second chance as a TV series for the modern audience...
DukeEman9 November 2023
Edith Wharton's unfinished 1938 novel gets a second chance as a TV series, no doubt aided by Marion Mainwaring's completion of the book in 1993, based on Wharton's notes. The literary world was split on the two versions, but were in total cahoots when chastising the 1995 BBC TV series.
Almost thirty years on and Apple TV give it a fresh life for the modern audience, but still set it in the original period of 1870, when New York social manners where on a decline (that part of it brilliantly captured on another 2022 TV series - The Gilded Age). So a group of very American kind-of-women travel to London with the excuse of finding the perfect mannered rich English husband (but really find themselves in the process!).
The first thirty minutes seemed to be doomed, with a messy and uninteresting lazy set-up, pandering to a younger hip audience. It is soon saved by Wharton's true passion and champion of women's dilemmas during the patriarchy rule of the 1870's. Unfortunately the filmmakers style leans more toward a lightweight soapy romantic drama that has a rather blunt edge, but still maintains your interest with its lavish production.
Almost thirty years on and Apple TV give it a fresh life for the modern audience, but still set it in the original period of 1870, when New York social manners where on a decline (that part of it brilliantly captured on another 2022 TV series - The Gilded Age). So a group of very American kind-of-women travel to London with the excuse of finding the perfect mannered rich English husband (but really find themselves in the process!).
The first thirty minutes seemed to be doomed, with a messy and uninteresting lazy set-up, pandering to a younger hip audience. It is soon saved by Wharton's true passion and champion of women's dilemmas during the patriarchy rule of the 1870's. Unfortunately the filmmakers style leans more toward a lightweight soapy romantic drama that has a rather blunt edge, but still maintains your interest with its lavish production.
Music is terrible
KRhea336 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There are positive aspects to this show, but overall it just feels subpar to other period shows.
Conchita and Dick and their story is in every way believable and feels so real.
The Guy, Nan, Theo storyline has taken time to develop and evolve. I can't help but feel confused about how I feel and how I think their story should end.
The Lord whatever his name is an absolute monster and Jinny continues to be cringeworthy.
Good for their mother standing up to the Colonel.
The opening music and even music throughout the show is absolutely horrid. I cannot stand to hear that band play another note. Yuck.
Now the positives... the costumes.., the sets...
Otherwise this feels like a high school show.
Conchita and Dick and their story is in every way believable and feels so real.
The Guy, Nan, Theo storyline has taken time to develop and evolve. I can't help but feel confused about how I feel and how I think their story should end.
The Lord whatever his name is an absolute monster and Jinny continues to be cringeworthy.
Good for their mother standing up to the Colonel.
The opening music and even music throughout the show is absolutely horrid. I cannot stand to hear that band play another note. Yuck.
Now the positives... the costumes.., the sets...
Otherwise this feels like a high school show.
This show isn't for everyone but no need to drag it!
sweetymuffin29 November 2023
I live for teen angst & true love - pair that with period costumes, lavish sceneries & dancing: I'm in! I love the characters and the way the show isn't trying to be so serious.
Now, don't let all the negative comments deter you from making up your own mind.
I saw someone comment that "the main viewers of Apple+ are older mothers" & that's just not true! Main demographic for Apple+ are 18-29 yo girls. This show is made for the Apple+ demographic.
They have so many other "grown up" shows, let the young folk have fun! Goddamn that's the entire premise of the show: the old & stiff people want to ruin the fun for all the young ones that havent learned to fear or be ashamed of themselves yet!
It's still like this, it's always been like this, god forbid anything is made for young girls to shamelessly enjoy and gush over!
I'm so sick of this negativity towards "girly things", towards "shamelessly enjoying something that isn't all that serious", towards "adaptions that aren't 100% word for word the book".
Just let people live! I'm pretty sure the author would've been overjoyed to see millions of people watch her book come to life!
Write a book, get it published & get the movie rights sold. Then we'll talk :)
Until then: enjoy this, if you want! If not, that's fine too, just don't try to spoil the fun of everyone else by giving it bad reviews so it ends up being cancelled & kills the fun for everyone else!
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk / gaudy American spectacle (iykyk) ;)
Now, don't let all the negative comments deter you from making up your own mind.
I saw someone comment that "the main viewers of Apple+ are older mothers" & that's just not true! Main demographic for Apple+ are 18-29 yo girls. This show is made for the Apple+ demographic.
They have so many other "grown up" shows, let the young folk have fun! Goddamn that's the entire premise of the show: the old & stiff people want to ruin the fun for all the young ones that havent learned to fear or be ashamed of themselves yet!
It's still like this, it's always been like this, god forbid anything is made for young girls to shamelessly enjoy and gush over!
I'm so sick of this negativity towards "girly things", towards "shamelessly enjoying something that isn't all that serious", towards "adaptions that aren't 100% word for word the book".
Just let people live! I'm pretty sure the author would've been overjoyed to see millions of people watch her book come to life!
Write a book, get it published & get the movie rights sold. Then we'll talk :)
Until then: enjoy this, if you want! If not, that's fine too, just don't try to spoil the fun of everyone else by giving it bad reviews so it ends up being cancelled & kills the fun for everyone else!
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk / gaudy American spectacle (iykyk) ;)
Oddly enjoy it
chanelbarnard-5052030 December 2023
I oddly enjoy it. Despite the over the top, American loudness of our main character group. Because it does seem very American. Everything about the show screams it.
Does it seem a rip off of Bridgerton, yes.
I cringe when the group of girls scream like they're on spring break. When they go swimming in their underclothes with batchelors.
I'm only 3 episodes in but their behaviours, their vocabulary, their style of dress are very inconsistent with what would have been the norm.
Instead it seems like a group of Valley cheerleaders have been transplanted into mid 1800s England.
I guess it's made made to appeal to a TikTok generation's imagining of what that time would be like.
Despite the faults of the show and my inward cringing of just how...American...it is, I kind of enjoy it. Most of the cast are capable actors.
If you don't mind glossing over historical accuracy and enjoy a bit of vapidness, you probably wouldn't mind spending a few hours watching this.
Does it seem a rip off of Bridgerton, yes.
I cringe when the group of girls scream like they're on spring break. When they go swimming in their underclothes with batchelors.
I'm only 3 episodes in but their behaviours, their vocabulary, their style of dress are very inconsistent with what would have been the norm.
Instead it seems like a group of Valley cheerleaders have been transplanted into mid 1800s England.
I guess it's made made to appeal to a TikTok generation's imagining of what that time would be like.
Despite the faults of the show and my inward cringing of just how...American...it is, I kind of enjoy it. Most of the cast are capable actors.
If you don't mind glossing over historical accuracy and enjoy a bit of vapidness, you probably wouldn't mind spending a few hours watching this.
What on earth...
ginagee6113 November 2023
Possessed the makers to attempt to make an adaptation of The Buccaneers? Well the positives are the scenery and the flowers are stunning, but the rest of it is turgid beyond belief! It's trying to be a Bridgerton, but it's not as witty, sexy or clever. And what on earth made Apple denigrate Edith Wharton? She's a serious author, whose writing and insights into a woman's place in the late 19th century are an amazing reflection of the hypocrisy that surrounded the repressive marriage market for some women.
She must be turning in her grave, shocked at the mess that the writers have made of her work. It's just terrible, really, really bad. The acting is dreadful, although the young cast are pretty. There's a lot of screaming and over the top dramatic gestures, but instead of showing the restrictive environment that these women struggled with, it makes far too light of the situation. It's a clash of colourful mayhem, accompanied by a yawn making soundtrack. I just wanted to take it all apart and put it back together, in a different way. Poor Edith Wharton, what did she do to deserve this?
She must be turning in her grave, shocked at the mess that the writers have made of her work. It's just terrible, really, really bad. The acting is dreadful, although the young cast are pretty. There's a lot of screaming and over the top dramatic gestures, but instead of showing the restrictive environment that these women struggled with, it makes far too light of the situation. It's a clash of colourful mayhem, accompanied by a yawn making soundtrack. I just wanted to take it all apart and put it back together, in a different way. Poor Edith Wharton, what did she do to deserve this?
Fun, light, drama.
rdbowmanmd23 November 2023
A good watch while you're waiting for the third season of Bridgerton, or suffering through droughtlander! The show follows the 4 friends of an American heiress who marries a rich Englishman after a Summer fling. I don't exactly understand why- but they go visit her in England for a season of balls and to try to catch their own titled husbands. Yes the characters are teenage girls, but I don't understand why in some other reviews, everyone is so angry about them acting like teenage girls. This 43 year old mom who loves period drama loves it! Sisters fight, families have secrets, girls fight over liking the same boy, women get stuck in unhappy marriages, drama, drama and more drama. If you like drama, this is for you!
Its a teen drama but very much needed
NiaInTheSky8814 November 2023
Its basically period drama for teens. Whoever says that this is not how things were properly done in 1870s, yeah it might be true but also I always think there were mischievous people who did act like this. And there is some truth to it since American girls did marry poor British royals for titles.
Acting isnt great, far from it, but its fun and whimsical and needed. Television or streaming services lack shows that are like this. Just lets you watch it for an hour and be done with it. Shows dont need to be smart and histocially correct to be fun and let your mind wonder.
It might literally end up being a teenage drama but I love it just for that. I miss good old teenage dramas and if its set in the 19th century thats just perfect.
Acting isnt great, far from it, but its fun and whimsical and needed. Television or streaming services lack shows that are like this. Just lets you watch it for an hour and be done with it. Shows dont need to be smart and histocially correct to be fun and let your mind wonder.
It might literally end up being a teenage drama but I love it just for that. I miss good old teenage dramas and if its set in the 19th century thats just perfect.
Simply Dreadful
mazlowe13 November 2023
Let's have modern young women with the graceless sensibilities of Tiktok queens don period clothing and go full-tilt through their lurid antics. The theme here seems to be that the English of the gilded age were unbearably stuffy, and American girls were mannerless heathens.
I have no appreciation for the current trend of pairing traditional source material with contemporary music and movement. If it's for humor's sake, that can be worthwhile, but this sort on anachronistic mishmash does nothing but profane the original book.
For an interpretation that would not leave Edith Wharton spinning, try the 1995 version. Not perfect, but far better than this.
I have no appreciation for the current trend of pairing traditional source material with contemporary music and movement. If it's for humor's sake, that can be worthwhile, but this sort on anachronistic mishmash does nothing but profane the original book.
For an interpretation that would not leave Edith Wharton spinning, try the 1995 version. Not perfect, but far better than this.
Haters, don't think so hard. Because, characters and reality.
kate-harvie13 November 2023
The first time, if memory serves, "The Buccaneers" was made into a TV short series was 1995. The BBC saw to make a four episode program that started Carla Gugino, Mira Sorvino, Allison Elliott, Rya Kihlstedt, Greg Wise (yes, Emma Thompson's husband), James Frain, and a slew of exceptional English actors. It was good, and perhaps its shorter length enhanced the intensity and imparted more feelings of drama. I adored it, and it's not because I lived in England for a year.
This eight ep series is, dare I say, better. It has been modernized not only in soundtrack, but in character creation and development. There are more likable characters who possess depth, real time was spent in crafting positive and negative character attributes that appear consistently, two leads are Black, the four Buccaneers aren't glammed up, and the unlikable characters aren't stereotypes.
You'll see many negative and meh reviews here. Ignore them.
Watch this. Remember when you were young, when you were single, when you were the subject (and/or object) of a fix up, shiddoch, or arranged marriage.
Watch this. Appreciate how love is a feeling, a necessity, a philosophy, and it can be a commodity.
This eight ep series is, dare I say, better. It has been modernized not only in soundtrack, but in character creation and development. There are more likable characters who possess depth, real time was spent in crafting positive and negative character attributes that appear consistently, two leads are Black, the four Buccaneers aren't glammed up, and the unlikable characters aren't stereotypes.
You'll see many negative and meh reviews here. Ignore them.
Watch this. Remember when you were young, when you were single, when you were the subject (and/or object) of a fix up, shiddoch, or arranged marriage.
Watch this. Appreciate how love is a feeling, a necessity, a philosophy, and it can be a commodity.
Wow Wow and wow!
TheReview22century9 November 2023
I want to start this review by complimenting, once again, Apple TV+. The quality of your shows is exceptional, I want to mention Foundation, Severance, Black Bird, Napoleon, Killer Of The flower moon and many many others. The buccaneers is much better than bridgerton, I know this is obvious to many, given that every Apple TV+ product is superior to any Netflix product. This series is fantastic, I love the cast, Alisha boe is very good and also froshet. Congratulations, congratulations and congratulations!
I can't wait to see the second season! Do yourself a favor and watch this series! Thanks for your attention and enjoy your viewing.
I can't wait to see the second season! Do yourself a favor and watch this series! Thanks for your attention and enjoy your viewing.
Stay for Regency Sets not Storyline
mbunderwooducla22 February 2024
I'm a huge Regency romance fan and was intrigued by this show. Yet I've found myself rolling my eyes more and more as each episode passes. The character's personalities and are inconsistent and the direction makes the show remain shallow as it grasps at depth. The rah-rah sisterhood theme of the show is quickly bowled over for flashy and increasingly annoying drama. I think this show had potential to be an alternative to Bridgerton but the sets and costumes do the heavy lifting to make the show feel 1800s. I never thought I would come across the manic dream girl in a period drama but alas here we are... men falling over one character because she just happens to not want to swim in a corset or takes her shoes off. I love the sets and costumes are good but not memorable but the show makes me annoyed as a regency romance lover.
Bridgerton Wanna-Be
heupamq15 November 2023
Go watch the BBC 1995 mini series.
Cons: This Apple TV version is cringe worthy on so many levels. From the modern vocabulary, contemporary music attempts to the historical inaccuracies of lords and ladies parading around half-naked (unheard of in the 19th century) among each other. They dragged it out with unnecessary plot devices not in the original (Nan's parentage, the extra character of Mabel, just to name a few).
The showrunners saw Bridgerton, thought they'd do an update to this story and failed to meet the standards.
Pros: costumes, settings and filming locations. Watch for the eye candy. Don't expect much substance.
Cons: This Apple TV version is cringe worthy on so many levels. From the modern vocabulary, contemporary music attempts to the historical inaccuracies of lords and ladies parading around half-naked (unheard of in the 19th century) among each other. They dragged it out with unnecessary plot devices not in the original (Nan's parentage, the extra character of Mabel, just to name a few).
The showrunners saw Bridgerton, thought they'd do an update to this story and failed to meet the standards.
Pros: costumes, settings and filming locations. Watch for the eye candy. Don't expect much substance.
Haters Should have Watched More Than the First Episode
slc627928 December 2023
I, too, thought The Buccaneers was going to be a flop, but I stuck with it, and the story grew, got stronger, and more engaging. Some of the acting was weak, but it certainly didn't deserve the poor ratings some of these reviewers gave it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack, with Taylor Swift singing in the first and last episode (Oh my!!! Now they'll really swoon!). I like this new genre that blends 21st Century music, language, and mores with Austen and Wharton. It's also even more amusing watching the purists clutch their pearls over it!
The Buccaneers ended with a cliffhanger and got a second season, so maybe the haters should have watched past Episode 1.
I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack, with Taylor Swift singing in the first and last episode (Oh my!!! Now they'll really swoon!). I like this new genre that blends 21st Century music, language, and mores with Austen and Wharton. It's also even more amusing watching the purists clutch their pearls over it!
The Buccaneers ended with a cliffhanger and got a second season, so maybe the haters should have watched past Episode 1.
More please!
markpybus24 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I've binged the first five episodes with my daughter and wife who both loved it - a new take on Wharton with enough pep to keep old (talking about myself rather than the wife) and young hooked from the word go and a soundtrack that will have you reaching for your Spotify account. Actors all great, although few can touch Christina Hendricks in a role she was born to play - more of her please! Am looking forward to next week's episode already hoping that Lizzie will finally find a man worthy of her charms and devotion. Time to bite the bullet and ditch the rat! Costumes splendid and locations deliver everything you could want from a high end period drama. Direction and writing both excellent delivering all the humour and wit that Wharton is renown for. More please!
A teen costume party
atelierbeauxmakeup13 November 2023
Whilst I do love a modern injection to a period piece, There are so many things wrong with the direction and writing, and oh so obvious modern production lighting. Its just not believable. Men and women would never bathe together in a pond, or dance informally at a private party unless they were a bunch of Pre-Raphaelite Bohemians or it was a planned orgy (not the case here... but there is a TV series idea in that notion!) Furthermore, the lack of knowledge about the period , context and the class system oozes out everywhere... the overused, over familar speech "hey" (a mark of disrespect in those times) , "I'll call the authorities" implicating phone usage ( call upon, call out for, notify etc) , notable southern english accents that would be considered lower middle class/upper lower class at the time, hugging a champagne flute with your entire hand (vs holding at stem) and well bred gentle folk pointing at people (key characters and background) would be considered lower class or at least improper behaviors . That they ( are meant to) have heritage, class and money , this separates them from the other people in society, UK or USA. The make up however was a surprise, a saving grace... brava!... more period correct - barely noticable!
By keeping it period, with some modernity, the intended re telling of story would have much more punch.
By keeping it period, with some modernity, the intended re telling of story would have much more punch.
Can't understand the hate
danaemod15 December 2023
To be honest after reading some of the reviews before watching the show i thought that it was going to be terrible. I was pleasantly suprised! It might be not historically correct or a pure adaptation of the original work of art or of the time period but it surely was a really interesting and light watch. The scenery, costumes were brilliant as well as the acting . The chemistry between the main characters was intense. Matthew gave an amazing performance throughout the season considering it might be one of his biggest roles as an actor ( if i'm not mistaken ).
Another notable mention is the soundtrack , the song choices were really good. I recommend giving it a try if you remain still a bit sceptical. It might not be a pure adaptation of the original but it encopasses modern twists that make it a bit more modern and interesting to watch. I hope they renew it for season 2 it would be a big shame if they cancelled it .
Another notable mention is the soundtrack , the song choices were really good. I recommend giving it a try if you remain still a bit sceptical. It might not be a pure adaptation of the original but it encopasses modern twists that make it a bit more modern and interesting to watch. I hope they renew it for season 2 it would be a big shame if they cancelled it .
First episode and I just can't
pipiattwoodhall13 November 2023
I've just completed the first episode and found myself having to Google this series to witness for myself if this is what it is supposed to be like.
It's a very awkward ensemble of actors, and themes. 19th century period wear and aesthetic meets 21st century conversation and informal, almost embarrassing actions given the context of the environment around it. These time periods have not been stitched together well, which is a shame because I wanted to like it.
This could probably have been an interesting drama if it were to reflect more accuracy of the time, or it could have been an unapologetic tween 'chick flick' about a bunch of friends finding boyfriends, it would have been boring and lacked substance but would at least be easier to watch than an attempt to combine the two.
It's a very awkward ensemble of actors, and themes. 19th century period wear and aesthetic meets 21st century conversation and informal, almost embarrassing actions given the context of the environment around it. These time periods have not been stitched together well, which is a shame because I wanted to like it.
This could probably have been an interesting drama if it were to reflect more accuracy of the time, or it could have been an unapologetic tween 'chick flick' about a bunch of friends finding boyfriends, it would have been boring and lacked substance but would at least be easier to watch than an attempt to combine the two.
Love it
hongaubrey22 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The narrative is both unpredictable and engaging, weaving historical accuracy with dramatic flair. Moreover, the show excels in its representation of diverse characters, offering a fresh perspective on a traditionally male-dominated era. The production values are top-notch, with detailed costumes and sets that immerse viewers in the period. "The Buccaneers" is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and visual spectacle, making it a must-watch series that truly deserves a 10/10 rating. The American flare to the uptight traditional society is like a breath of fresh air. The numerous story lines keep you on your toes.
Better than Bridgerton!
julietteb-3480219 January 2024
I really liked it, at first I thought it was going to be a cheesy quirky knock of of bridgerton, but I was wrong. This was much more real and relatable. Sure there's the English notability but not all just balls and elaborate money. You see the coldness and toxicity and abuse. Also watching this, especially episode 4, as a mother I wept, episode 5 as a woman I related but was also empowered by the truths and how far we've come, after that, every episode blew me away. I hadn't known of the novel or the 1995 mini series so the ending was a complete surprise. I was at the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen. I'm so glad for the changes they've made so far and I can't wait for season 2. If you like time pieces, definitely watch this one.
PAINFUL
balancelife196926 November 2023
While.it's great to see Christina Hendricks,( she is one star).....this drivel is pure embarrassment!!!!!
It is ,CLUELESS,Bridgerton, mixed in with modern dialog,attitudes and beneath a limited effort to be historically accurate...it's really obnoxiously stupid.
The acting is terrible, equal to the writing. This show wants to be clever so badly, it's just bad.
The cinematography is lovey,(that's the other star). Of course it must be visually stunning to distract you from everything else.
The effort it took to get through one episode and not gauge my eyes out,it's a miracle. I think I'm going vomit now and try to purge this last horror hour of my life.
It is ,CLUELESS,Bridgerton, mixed in with modern dialog,attitudes and beneath a limited effort to be historically accurate...it's really obnoxiously stupid.
The acting is terrible, equal to the writing. This show wants to be clever so badly, it's just bad.
The cinematography is lovey,(that's the other star). Of course it must be visually stunning to distract you from everything else.
The effort it took to get through one episode and not gauge my eyes out,it's a miracle. I think I'm going vomit now and try to purge this last horror hour of my life.
Very entertaining
chelseapagliuca4 February 2024
I see people complaining that it is a rip off of Bridgerton or a horrible adaptation of the novel. I never watched Bridgerton or read the novel so I was able to watch this for pure enjoyment and I loved it. I'm a sucker for blending history with current music etc (A Knight's Tale, anyone?). I didn't care if this was historically accurate-it isn't trying to be, so just enjoy it. I thought the acting was good-not the best acting in the world but definitely not horrible like some reviews are making it out to be. If your expectations are set correctly, I think you will really enjoy this show! Can't wait for the second season.
Simply Atrocious.
nsadocnyc25 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The series, a modern bastardization of Edith Whartons final novel will leave the viewer in utter disbelief. For a novel showing the distinction between American and London socialites, the class system and the place of women within that caste, this show slaps Edith Wharton in the face.
It is a severely disappointing and unsuccessful attempt at copying Bridgerton, Queen Charolette, and The Gilded Age.
While those three latter period pieces have a modernization inherent they are true enough to the period to allow the viewer to suspend disbelief and be carried into the stories.
This remake by AppleTV+ has none of the wit, character development, charm, or dimensionality of those shows that it is obviously attempting to, and failing at copying.
It is a sad state of affairs when a show that takes place in 1870 is rewritten so that viewers are not offended. For Nan, an underaged, teen girl to have spoken so brashly and impolitely to an elder upper class man at the Queen's debutant debut would have been the scandal of the entire London Season and suffered her chances at finding a husband when it would become her turn to debut. Somehow the writers seem to think that we, the viewers, would say 'good for you Nan!'. Instead it destroyed the believability of the entire show. For even though Nan and her constantly shrieking friends are Americans, they were raised in NY society, where there was still decorum and a sense of propriety.
Skip this show.
AppleTV+ DO BETTER.
It is a severely disappointing and unsuccessful attempt at copying Bridgerton, Queen Charolette, and The Gilded Age.
While those three latter period pieces have a modernization inherent they are true enough to the period to allow the viewer to suspend disbelief and be carried into the stories.
This remake by AppleTV+ has none of the wit, character development, charm, or dimensionality of those shows that it is obviously attempting to, and failing at copying.
It is a sad state of affairs when a show that takes place in 1870 is rewritten so that viewers are not offended. For Nan, an underaged, teen girl to have spoken so brashly and impolitely to an elder upper class man at the Queen's debutant debut would have been the scandal of the entire London Season and suffered her chances at finding a husband when it would become her turn to debut. Somehow the writers seem to think that we, the viewers, would say 'good for you Nan!'. Instead it destroyed the believability of the entire show. For even though Nan and her constantly shrieking friends are Americans, they were raised in NY society, where there was still decorum and a sense of propriety.
Skip this show.
AppleTV+ DO BETTER.
Great watch
lenacrowley15 November 2023
This show is so much fun! I hate how many people say it's trying to copy Bridgerton and fails. This show is amazing on its own and only has slight similarities to Bridgerton. If you expect a replica of Bridgerton, you'll be disappointed. It you expect a fun, entertaining and romantic history drama, you'll be delighted.
Just give it a try and enjoy the show for what it is. I'm very intrigued by the drama and can't wait to watch the next episodes. The characters are all so well written and have a lot of depth, the costumes are fantastic, the filming is beautiful. It might not be perfect historically but that's not what it's trying to do :)
Just give it a try and enjoy the show for what it is. I'm very intrigued by the drama and can't wait to watch the next episodes. The characters are all so well written and have a lot of depth, the costumes are fantastic, the filming is beautiful. It might not be perfect historically but that's not what it's trying to do :)
See also
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