After the previous reviewer's tirade about including black people as just being PC and pandering, I was curious and did a little research of my own. According to an historian's article on the history of black people in Britain (which is near the top of google results for "black people in 1700's England) it seems the portrayal in Harlots is spot on. Everything from interracial couples in the lower classes to servants in aristocratic households and a lot of other interesting things I had no idea about.

So while I think his review has no value as a review of the show, it did inspire me to learn something new.

I watched this first season 3 times so far. It's so good! The actors & actresses are actually good-looking (sorry but this is sometimes a big factor for me when I watch british shows). And the acting is great. The music is not genre-direct but still works well. The show is created a bit edgy, which I like. The best part for me is the writing! The writing is just amazing. The writer really knows how to illustrate both sleazy & holy, with varying degrees of comedy & wholeheartedness. Honestly, this is the closest I have ever heard of in a show where the writing and acting mimics the older generation of my female relatives when they talk amongst their own gender in a sexual-direct comedy form but, of course, this is boosted sexually 10xs. (I am not american-born, by the way- I am afghan born, uzbek ancestry, american raised) Great job, all you guys!

I just wanted to say that this programme is so much better than I thought it would be. I actually care about the characters. I don't usually like full on sex scenes, but because of the subject matter it doesn't seem gratuitous. It's actually a very fascinating insight into 18th Century England, and seems that it was a very complicated lifestyle to live in a brothel as well as dangerous. I'm enjoying it. Give it a go.

Surprisingly addicting. Game of Throne-esque betrayal, alliances, bribery, coercion, corruption, politics, sex, and revenge.

Harlots surprisingly inspires empathy for the plights of the heroines - the brothel madam and her youngest daughter. You really root for the madam's struggle to keep her girls from harm and rise up through the ranks of brothels to move up in station and compete with the Queen of Whores.

Harlots touches on racial and class issues and even features the occasional gigolo, during a time in which one if five women in old London make their livings as whores. It shows how religious zealots, the law, and the masses can be manipulated as pawns in the political, carnal, racial, and socioeconomic power struggle that is the Game of Brothels...

Quick history lesson - in the 18th century, the age of consent for sexual relations was 12. And sex with a girl between the ages of 10 and 12, though illegal, was only a misdemeanor. To be truly accurate, these brothels would be stocked almost exclusively with children....of both sexes. The lovely Jessica Brown Findlay, despite all her charms, would, at nearly 30, be considered well over the hill. And the children who worked these brothels and street corners were beaten, abused, maimed, starved, killed - in short, there was nothing glamorous or appealing about this life. It is true that some women chose prostitution and prospered in it, but they were decidedly in the minority - the vast majority were exploited children who traded the only commodity they had for their survival.

I have nothing against viewing the past through rose-colored glasses for the sake of entertainment, and as a sanitized, fanciful television drama set in an another era, this show is very entertaining. It's one of my favorite guilty pleasures. But please, let's not pretend this even comes close to a true depiction of the wretched lives of the poor creatures who really were forced into harlotry in the 18th century.

I don't like shows full of fake pretty Hollywood actors. This series has beautiful women and men, maybe not in the fake Hollywood standards, which gives it so much more realness. The characters are complex in their different personalities without going overboard in their acting.

Though the show is about prostitues, there isn't an over-abundance of sex. It shows that sex is not the only thing that defines these women.

The story line is captivating, with intrigue and gossip, but it's not frivolous and hits on serious topics like race, sexuality, religion and motherhood.

I hope they continue this series.

I created an account just to review this show. I love it! It's exciting, captivating, dramatic, funny, just all around a great show. I would have to say Harlots is my favorite original series by far. I don't want to watch documentaries about brothels in the olden days. I want entertainment, which is exactly what Harlots offers. I can't wait to see what will happen in future seasons!

I love the costumes and it is interesting to see the struggle of women in this era. You get attached to the characters and their struggle to survive in a society that doesn't favor those without money or class upbringing. There is so much struggle between the harlots and other houses of the day not to mention clashing with the religious groups and neighboring houses that are at odds. I feel for these individuals as there seems to be little means available to them other than selling their bodies.

A few days ago i found myself bored and craving a period drama, I was looking for a movie when I came across Harlots and decided to give it a go. I was not disapointed at all. The reason why I think Harlots is so underrated is because it is a TV show about women to women. The fact that this story is about prostitutes may decieve us into thinking it will be a superficial show. Well we couldn't be more wrong about that, and the fact that that idea still crosses our mind is exactly the reason why a show like Harlots was needed. Centuries after this story we still find ourselfs judging other women based on their sexual past. If you are watching this show in hope to see some silly prostitutes with no brains then you might as well give up. The characters are sublime, interesting, smart, strong women. As the show went on i found myself falling in love over and over again with Charlotte Wells, she's simply superb. You can't help but love the forbidden love story of Violet and Amelia. And a few episodes in you'll find yourself feeling Margaret's pain and struggle of loving their daughters while managing a dangerous business. Lucy is the perfect the sweet inocent girl-next-door with a touch of a dark side. The cast is amazing and carries their characters beautifully through the story. (The dresses are breathtaking, may I add). This show is seductive, smart and deals with important timeless issues. So grab on a cup of tea and a blanket and get ready to binge watch Harlots. I promise, it's so much more than sex.

..it's an interesting show.. part period piece.. part soft-core sex-soap.. but pretty much so far.. total fun.. and the cast across the board is pretty darn good, and with some very noteworthy leads.. the couple really jump out are Samantha Morton and Jessica Brown Findlay.. they both are just outstanding.. Morton has been around well before in numerous productions, always doing top-notch work.. as for JBF, this is a breakout role.. she is perfect and makes the absolute most of her character.. in today's world she'd be one of the highest paid, and most sought after hi-end escorts in the business.. after the first episode was not so sure how things would go.. but now seeing four parts, it's can't hardly wait for more.. to stay fresh they will need to remain very creative.. really hope they are up to the task.. it might be the worlds oldest profession, but throughout TV land, it's been one of the most difficult story-line genres to keep alive long term

I was skeptical at first but this show is wonderful! I'm constantly wanting more! Amazing characters and story-line. I first came for Jessica Brown-Findlay and still just love her. Actually all the cast is extremely captivating. Promise this will not disappoint!

Indulge yourself and watch this series!!! The rating doesn't do it any justice! I found that I became further enthralled as the show progressed. Brilliant acting, with a fabulous cast. A very well written series indeed.

This show is not for the faint of heart, but it's delicious entertainment if you can stomach it. As to be expected from the title, there are a lot of graphic sex scenes; you'll also encounter a great deal of profanity and a fair amount of violence. I've watched all the available episodes and can't wait to see more. The basic plot of two rival brothels quickly becomes a complicated tangle of relationships, grudges, and secrets. There are several very interesting story lines, fascinating characters, and an ongoing mystery to keep you engaged. The two rival madams in the show have well- developed characters, a realistic mix of good and bad. The decisions they make regarding their own lives, their children's' lives, and their employees' lives are at times brutal and at other times very sentimental. Some characters in the show are pretty one-dimensional, but most are realistically portrayed as very human in their inconsistencies. It's hard to believe the things that go on, but as a history buff, I will say a lot of it is probably not too far out of the realm of accuracy. I got the free trial of Hulu for The Handmaid's Tale, and between that show & Harlots, I think I will have to keep a subscription to Hulu.

Superficially, one might think that this show is a bawdy romp in Georgian England (18th century), but it is so much more.

Written and directed by women, this show depicts the harsh realities for women during the 18th century, when they had few options but to be a man's property. Refreshingly, this show features women at center stage of the entire show, with men being the side characters that support the stellar female cast.

Rival whorehouses battle each other out to be the top house in London, with plenty of sharp tongued-lines, none-too-romantic depictions of sex, and here and there, hints of humor that break up this fierce drama. Sex is portrayed similarly as it is in HBO's "Girls": in all of its awkward and blink-and-you'll-miss-it glory. This show also reminds us where the term "whore's bath" likely came from...

What will keep you watching is the secrets and twists, strong family ties, and heart-wrenching decisions that the women in this show have to make to survive. We are constantly reminded that no matter what, if women join men in marriage, they become legal property rather than human beings (strikingly similar message as found in The Handmaid's Tale, if I do say so). You sympathize with the characters who chose the path of harlotry as a bit of freedom and coin rather than be owned and controlled for the rest of their short lives.

Overall, well-written, gritty, dark, but suspenseful and entertaining with a hint of humor. If this is the "Whore's Eye View" of London, I can only hope there will be a second season!

I started watching this, as I had no other series lined up, saw a trailer and quite like Samantha Morton as an actress. The first episode left me a little nonplussed, as I thought it seemed a little more lightweight than I was expecting. Perhaps even gratuitous and shallow. But I stuck with it, and by episode three was hooked. Easily as good as Peaky Blinders, which is high praise indeed from an avid watcher. The characters seem to develop well and the casting is excellent. The portrayal of the Bawds from both Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville are magnificent, and a superb supporting cast brings the piece to life. It seems odd that ITV in the UK have hidden this gem away as I can only assume that it is an expensive series to produce. A mainstream channel release is surely overdue, and a budget increase for the second series must be imminent.

SO far I have only watched 3 episodes but they were all watched in a row as I first just started watching to see if it was any good. Well 3 later and I am hooked. I think Harlots has some good writing and is not at all gratuitous in any way for a show about prostitution. People on here that are trashing it are probably holy rollers that are so uncomfortable with their own sexuality that they cant bother to see it done by others. Other than that I really started watching because of Jessica Brown Findlay. I really enjoyed her in Downton Abbey and was excited to see her in another television series. Well she has not disappointed. Neither has the rest of the cast. I will enjoy the rest of the season and future seasons to come. Very worth your time!!

I really love this show. It has great story, complex characters, and politics. I like that it shows the side from women's perspective back in Georgian society in England. My only bother is that it can be unbelievable. For instance, when Charlotte outs Howard for raping her at the dinner table, all of his friends instantly believe her and cast him aside. This never would've happened back in the day, unfortunately. But it is nice to imagine. Otherwise magnificent show!

Please , please renew season 3... I absolutely must see what happens next.. I am completely enthralled in the drama...

'Harlots' is well written, well acted and well researched. It would have the perfect 18th century feel if it wasn't for the score, which has a punk feel to it. It seems that the producers chose to do a Sophia Coppola. Her 'Marie Antoinette' could have had its charms...but the score made it unbearable. In 'Harlots', the score doesn't feature so imposingly so the show still keeps a period feel when the music doesn't play. Whenever it features, the mood is broken. It's a real shame as the show is otherwise excellent. Don't tell me that I do not get the 'making a connection to our times' thing. This connection is inevitable, seeing as the show is a product of our times. It is however set in 18th century and music does set the mood. Intentionally selecting an inappropriate score strikes me as a form of snob-ism.

An addictive edgy masterpiece with 18th century flair and style.

When my wife started watching this I never thought id be into it. The first episode was a bit intense with the sex, but after that there's not nearly as much. The story line keeps getting better and better with ever episode. Filled with twist and turns that keep you begging for more. The acting is outstanding and the girls have a way of making you fall for them in all their whoreish splendor. You should defiantly give it a try.

Saw previous, review , do not read it their so incorrect The show is called Harlots, which is what it is about , the show was never meant to be funny , it was meant to be a historical representation of life of a prostitute during the 18th century England. It does have some humor English humor,I enjoy the story line not ,the story line is about 2 competing whore house's one is fancy the other is trying to get there status

Love the show! Love the era! Don't waste your time with other reviews just watch the show! It is about Borstals and 1780's. Beautiful women and Grand times! About a young virgin who has her virginity sold by her mother. It tells about the times, how women had to make their way and how slaves treated.

This show is why I keep renewing my Hulu subscription.

I watched this show for Jessica Brown-Findlay, who is tremendous. I wasn't sure what to expect, based on the subject matter which seemed risky. But the risk paid off. A show about prostitution written and directed by women, told from the female POV, which depicts sex unflinchingly but without prurience and creates strong, complex protagonists who are in turns maddening, sympathetic, funny, vibrant, admirable and sometimes ruthless. It's a breath of fresh air, unlike any show I've seen before. The acting is off the charts especially from Morton, Manville and Findlay. And yes, I am biased toward JBF but I can say that even though I always liked her, I have never seen her as good as she is here. She absolutely inhabits her character (Charlotte) and brings her to life. Love the costumes, the sensibility, the balance of drama and humor and yes, the modern score. If you don't have Hulu, get it. This show rivals Handmaids Tale for quality. In fact I think it's better, if very different.

I gave this show a ten out of ten. I rarely do this, and here is why. Brace yourselves.

I love period dramas. I love women leading those period dramas. I have a thing for great female characters, shows made by women, and bright colors.

When I first started this show, I did so by accident and while I am a fan of Jessica Brown Findlay, I was not aware that she was in it. So, I kept watching and the show starts with a loud fanfare. Familiar to the big bang, it explodes, you see yourself catapulted into a colorful, loud, and beautiful void until everything settles down. Then you have arrived at London in the 18th century and you never ever want to leave. Now, of course I don't want to live there, considering all the negative aspects.

The actors of the show are brilliant; from Samantha Morton to Jessica Brown Findlay. You feel yourself convinced that they actually are who they portray, their dialogues are amazing, their acting is on point. All these characters, no matter how good or bad, you will learn to love, or love to hate.

Findlay and Morton however are by far outstanding.

The costume design is one of its kind and all the dresses made me want to cry because they were as beautiful as the music and the cinematography.

About the writing of the series itself: just a few minor points that could be better in season 2, and perhaps some more light on the gay male character of this show would be pleasing, but that is just me. Everything in this show, no matter how "controversial" it might be, is well done and properly executed. Perhaps this is because women wrote this, as you can see the quality it maintains.

If you look for a show that is thrilling, entertaining, and an absolute "period bop", you have arrived at the right stop. Get out, get in, and let these women convince you with their great acting in wonderful fashion.

I'd say we need at least 5 seasons. Thank you in advance.