Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Buccaneers, which has been creating waves on Apple TV+ with its lavish portrayal of American heiresses conquering London society in the 1870s.
The Buccaneers premiered on Apple TV+ on November 8, 2023, and consists of 8 episodes in its first season, with each episode running approximately 50 minutes. This stunning period drama is based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, masterfully adapted by Katherine Jakeways to bring the Gilded Age to vivid life.
Set during the 1870s, the series follows five wealthy American women as they navigate London’s rigid high society in search of titled husbands and social status. The Buccaneers expertly combines romance, cultural clash, and female empowerment themes, creating a visually spectacular and emotionally engaging period piece that challenges traditional notions of marriage and independence.
American Invasion of British High Society
The story centers around five ambitious American heiresses who travel across the Atlantic to London, determined to secure aristocratic husbands and prestigious titles. These young women bring their bold American attitudes into the tightly controlled world of British nobility, causing cultural upheaval and romantic complications at every turn.
The Buccaneers doesn’t shy away from exploring the clash between American directness and British propriety, creating compelling drama as these strong-willed women refuse to conform to society’s expectations. Their arrival disrupts centuries of tradition while challenging the very foundations of marriage as a business transaction.
Nan St. George: The Rebellious Heart of the Group
Kristine Froseth portrays Nan St. George, the most spirited of the American visitors who finds herself torn between duty and desire. Her character development throughout The Buccaneers showcases a young woman’s journey from naive romantic to someone who must choose between security and true love.
Nan’s relationship with both Guy Thwarte and Theo, the Duke of Tintagel, forms the emotional core of The Buccaneers, demonstrating how love can complicate even the most carefully laid social plans.
The Supporting Cast: A Web of Ambition and Romance
The ensemble cast of The Buccaneers brings depth to every character, from Alisha Boe’s determined Conchita to Josie Totah’s sharp-tongued Mabel. Each young woman represents a different approach to navigating society’s expectations while pursuing personal happiness.
Christina Hendricks delivers a standout performance as Mrs. Patricia St. George, perfectly embodying the ambitious mother determined to see her daughters succeed in British society, regardless of the personal cost.
When Hearts Collide with Social Expectations
The most gripping moments in The Buccaneers occur when the characters must choose between love and social advancement. These climactic episodes showcase the series’ ability to balance romantic drama with sharp social commentary, creating emotionally charged scenes that resonate with modern audiences.
The series builds to powerful confrontations that force each character to decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for happiness, making The Buccaneers both a period piece and a timeless exploration of women’s autonomy.
Success on Apple TV+
The Buccaneers has garnered significant acclaim on Apple TV+, earning a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for its sumptuous production values and strong performances. The series has been renewed for a second season, set to premiere on June 18, 2025, with audiences particularly drawn to its combination of historical authenticity and contemporary feminist themes. Critics have highlighted the show’s ability to make Edith Wharton’s unfinished work feel completely modern, making The Buccaneers a standout addition to Apple TV+’s prestige drama lineup.
The Perfect Period Romance for Modern Viewers
If you love period dramas with strong female characters and lush production values, The Buccaneers is the perfect series to binge on Apple TV+. This beautifully crafted drama delivers both romantic escapism and thoughtful social commentary in an irresistible Gilded Age package.
Why This Lavish Drama Deserves Your Time
The Buccaneers succeeds in bringing Edith Wharton’s vision to spectacular life while addressing timeless questions about love, independence, and the price of social acceptance, making it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates intelligent period drama with contemporary relevance.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 8 episodes (Season 1 completed, Season 2 premiering June 18, 2025)
Platform: Apple TV+
Release Year: 2023
Current IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Period Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction
Status: Renewed for Season 2
Protagonists: Kristine Froseth (Nan St. George), Alisha Boe (Conchita Closson), Aubri Ibrag (Lizzy Elmsworth), Josie Totah (Mabel Elmsworth), Imogen Waterhouse (Jinny St. George)
Antagonist: British social conventions, class expectations, family pressures