What happens when two rival brothels compete in 18th century London? Lies, deceit, betrayal, and venereal diseases, of course. There's not as much pomp and circumstance as you might think, but there is a long-standing opposition between the two brothel owners, Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville). The clash unfolds as we learn more about sex work in the Georgian era and what it takes to hold a brothel together; sisterhood, responsibility, honor, and finding your... uh, style?
The first season of this Hulu Original sets the stage, complete with a memorable cast of characters of all shapes and sizes that you may find yourself rooting for, despite that meaning the proliferation of not only prostitution, but also sex trafficking, rape, and abuse. It somehow still manages to deliver a feminist story, one with female characters fighting for their right to own and operate a business, pay their employees a fair wage, and create a legacy in a male-dominated world that does not value them.
This show does not shy away from what life was like for a woman in these times. Considering one in five women was a prostitute at that place and time in history, sex work would be a big part of city life and the show captures that reality. Sex is certainly pervasive throughout the first season, but remains a backdrop; a framework for the story. It's never about the sex. It's about the only power women in the 18th century had, sexual power, as a means to gain autonomy.
If you're looking for something a little saucy but with complex characters, stunning costumes, and a punk attitude, you may just love Harlots. Completely binge-worthy. I'll be tuning into season two, assuming that will happen. No official word yet.