What's it about?
Set in early 18th century, it follows the story of Captain Flint - English navy soldier turned to piracy, who goes on a hunt for Spanish gold with a new member of the crew - young and manipulative John Silver. The events take place roughly two decades before Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island story.
Why watch it?
A more realistic take on piracy than Pirates of the Caribbean; great acting by fresh faces - the actors alone are reason enough to check it out; a lot of action, politics, intrigue and sex; problems of feminism and slavery/racism explored.
Stars
Toby Stephens (Maggie Smith's son), Luke Arnold, Clara Paget, Toby Schmitz
Ratings
8,3 by IMDb
81% by Rotten Tomatoes
Critics Reception
The show is generally praised for its brilliant, and lesser known (which probably makes it even better), actors, historical accuracy in terms of timeline, character design, props etc - the only obvious no-no is that all of the pirates have their own Hollywood teeth.
Historical Background
The show includes several real historical figures who play a key part in the plot - Charles Vane, members of his crew Jack Rackham and Bonny Anne, Blackbeard and Long John Silver.
Reviews
Black Sails review: It’s the wire on the waves need, Independent
‘Black Sails’ is the best show you didn’t watch in 2017, The Daily Dot
Black Sails box set review – this Treasure Island prequel is a tremendous high seas yarn, The Guardian