Harlots (2017)
A fierce and feminist period drama set in the brothels and back alleys of 18th-century London, where survival is a woman's sharpest weapon.
Harlots - Series Information
- Original Title: Harlots
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Moira Buffini
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (47 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- First Air Date: March 27, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), March 27, 2017 (United Kingdom - 15), March 27, 2017 (Germany - 18), March 27, 2017 (France - 18), March 27, 2017 (Australia - MA 15+), March 27, 2017 (Brazil - 16), March 27, 2017 (Mexico - B), March 27, 2017 (Spain - 18), March 27, 2017 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: ITV Encore, Hulu
- Production Companies: Monumental Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Harlots - Plot
Brothel owner, Margaret Wells, struggles to raise her daughters in London during the 18th century.
Harlots - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at the world of Harlots:
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Harlots - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Moira Buffini
Main Cast
- Danny Sapani
- Bronwyn James
- Ben Lambert
- Rosalind Eleazar
- Holli Dempsey
- Pippa Bennett-Warner
- Samantha Morton
- Jessica Brown Findlay
- Eloise Smyth
- Lesley Manville
Writers
- Moira Buffini
Harlots - FAQs
Where can you stream Harlots online?
Harlots is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. If you prefer to own it, the series can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hulu remains the most convenient option for binge-watching all three seasons.
What is Harlots about?
Set in 18th-century London, Harlots centers on Margaret Wells, a brothel owner determined to give her daughters a better life. The series explores class struggle, female agency, and survival in a society where women had few options, weaving sharp social commentary into its richly costumed period setting.
Is Harlots based on a true story?
Harlots is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from documented history. Creator Moira Buffini researched the lives of real women in 18th-century London's sex trade, grounding the drama in genuine social conditions, class hierarchies, and the limited choices available to women of that era.
Who are the main actors in Harlots?
The series boasts an impressive ensemble led by Samantha Morton as Margaret Wells and Lesley Manville as her arch-rival Lydia Quigley. Jessica Brown Findlay plays Charlotte Wells, with further key performances from Holli Dempsey, Rosalind Eleazar, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Danny Sapani, and Eloise Smyth.
Why did Harlots end after three seasons?
Hulu cancelled Harlots in 2019 after its third season, citing viewership figures. The decision disappointed many fans and critics who praised the show's feminist perspective and strong performances. Creator Moira Buffini had expressed interest in continuing the story, but the cancellation brought the series to a close.
How many episodes does Harlots have in total?
Harlots ran for 24 episodes across three seasons, with each season consisting of 8 episodes. Each episode runs approximately 47 minutes, making the complete series a manageable and satisfying watch from start to finish.
Is Harlots worth watching for period drama fans?
Absolutely. Harlots stands out in the period drama genre for centering women's voices and experiences rather than romanticizing the era. Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville deliver powerhouse performances, and the writing tackles prostitution, class, and power with intelligence and unflinching honesty. A genuinely distinctive series.
What are some shows similar to Harlots?
If you enjoyed Harlots, Jamestown, Sanditon, and Vanity Fair offer similarly strong female-led period storytelling. For a more playful tone, Bridgerton and The Great are excellent picks. The Decameron and The Buccaneers also deliver sharp wit and compelling characters within lavish historical settings.
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