The Buccaneers (2023 TV series)

The Buccaneers is a historical drama television series created by Katherine Jakeways, based on the unfinished novel of the same name by American novelist Edith Wharton, published posthumously in 1938. Set in the 1870s, it revolves around five wealthy and ambitious American women and their experiences in London high society as they deal with culture clashes, differing approaches to tradition, friendship, and love. The series stars an ensemble cast led by Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Aubri Ibrag, Josie Totah, and Imogen Waterhouse. Matthew Broome, Josh Dylan, Barney Fishwick, Guy Remmers, Mia Threapleton, and Christina Hendricks also star.

The first season premiered on 8 November 2023 on Apple TV+ and received positive reviews from critics. On 19 December 2023, it was renewed for a second season.

Premise
In the 1870s, the "Buccaneers" are five ambitious women and daughters of the American nouveau riche Nan and Jinny St. George, Conchita Closson, and Lizzy and Mabel Elmsworth. Following Conchita's wedding to Lord Richard Marable, the women are invited to London in the midst of debutante season in the hopes of securing husbands and titles. The women's eccentric and extroverted nature contrasts with English high society and centuries of tradition as they navigate cultural clashes and strict social codes while dealing with interpersonal relationships and potential suitors.

Main

 * Kristine Froseth as Annabel "Nan" St. George
 * Alisha Boe as Conchita Closson
 * Matthew Broome as Guy Thwarte
 * Josh Dylan as Lord Richard Marable
 * Barney Fishwick as Lord James Seadown
 * Aubri Ibrag as Lizzy Elmsworth
 * Guy Remmers as Theo, Duke of Tintagel
 * Mia Threapleton as Honoria Marable
 * Josie Totah as Mabel Elmsworth
 * Imogen Waterhouse as Virginia "Jinny" St. George
 * Christina Hendricks as Patricia "Patti" St. George
 * Simone Kirby as Laura Testvalley
 * Amelia Bullmore as the Dowager Duchess of Tintagel
 * Fenella Woolgar as Lady Brightlingsea
 * Anthony Calf as Lord Brightlingsea
 * Adam James as Colonel Tracy St. George

Recurring

 * Shobhit Piasa as Miles Dawnley
 * Francesca Corney as Jean Hopeleigh

Development
It was announced in June 2022 that Apple TV+ had ordered the series from the Forge, with Katherine Jakeways set to be head writer and Susanna White attached as lead director. Jakeways and White would also executive-produce the series with Beth Willis and George Faber of the Forge.

Casting
The cast were included in the series order announcement: Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag, Imogen Waterhouse, and Mia Threapleton would star as the titular buccaneers. In July, Christina Hendricks, Josh Dylan, Barney Fishwick, Guy Remmers, and Matthew Broome were added to the cast. Simone Kirby joined the cast in October as the girls' chaperone.

In December 2023, it was confirmed that the main ensemble would return in the second season.

Filming
Principal photography for the first season began in March 2022 in Madrid and continued in June in Scotland, with production based at Pyramids Studios in West Lothian; Glasgow doubled as 1870s New York City. Cast and crew were spotted filming around the Glasgow City Chambers in July.



Stately homes used as filming locations included Culzean Castle (standing in for part of Tintagel Castle), Newhailes House (Brightlingsea terrace interior), Gosford House (Closson Mansion), Hopetoun House (Tintagel interior and part of Brightlingsea), and Drumlanrig Castle (part of Tintagel Castle). The Educational Institute of Scotland also served as the exterior of the Brightlingsea's Georgian terrace. The Tintagel ball takes place in the University of Glasgow's cloisters. Carolside doubled for Runnymede in Surrey, while Stichill Linn was used for the grounds' waterfall. St Abb's Head doubled for the Cornwall coast, while the beach scene where Nan and Theo meet was shot at Seacliff.

Principal photography for the second season was reportedly underway in Scotland as of May 2024.

Soundtrack
The all-female soundtrack was produced by Stella Mozgawa.

Reception
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports an approval rating of 77%, with an average rating of 6.30/10, based on 43 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Anachronistic to the max and loving it, The Buccaneers is a feminist and frothy treat for fans of period piece pageantry." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the show a score of 71 out of 100, based on 20 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".