Black Sails

History and fiction come together in this American adventure series that features famous historical figures like Jack Rackman, Captain Charles Vane, Anne Bonny, Governor Woodes Rogers, Ned Low, Blackbeard, and more. Then you have your favorite Treasure Island characters Captain Flint, and of course, Long John Silver.

This Emmy-winning TV show takes us 20 years before the events in Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous classic novel and during the Golden Age of Piracy.  The narrative follows Captain Flint as he leads a younger crew in search of treasure after treasure. Along the way, they must learn to fight for survival as every nation has declared the pirates of New Providence island a threat and enemies to all.

Black Sails is spectacularly entertaining with a story that may seem convoluted to some but actually piece together nicely with quite a few surprises that add to the tension. This is not just your typical seafaring drama with lots of pirate exploits. The plot is actually far more complex than it initially seems when you watch the first few episodes.

Character developments and backstories happen smoothly and slowly as the show progresses and deviates from the usual flashback trope, which can sometimes be confusing and annoying.

Visually, Black Sails is compelling in its depiction of the pirates in the 1700s (costume, props, graphics, and all…the ships are especially astonishing). This show doesn’t also lack in sex, nudity, and violence.

Directors: Peter Hoar, Jon East, Anthony Byrne – Screenplay: Robert Levine, Jonathan E. Steinberg – Cast Jessica Parker Kennedy, Toby Stephens, Hannah New – Run Time: 56 min