Harlots

Margaret Wells runs a brothel in Georgian London while trying to protect and provide for her daughters in a world where sex, money and social standing are tightly bound. Instead of a simple rescue plot, the series shows how Margaret bargains, schemes and makes hard choices to keep her family afloat, while her eldest daughter chafes under those choices and her rivals try to expand their influence. The show balances intimate family conflict with the wider legal and political pressures of the city, showing how survival often means trading one set of dangers for another.

Created by Moira Buffini, Harlots premiered in 2017 as a historical drama set in 18th century London, with an emphasis on authentic period detail and ensemble performances.

The series did not become an awards juggernaut, but it attracted notice from critics and industry watchers alike. Reviewers regularly singled out the acting and production values, and the show received a number of nominations and mentions in television coverage even if it didn’t sweep major prize lists.

Harlots made an impression beyond its episodes by prompting conversations about how sex work and women’s choices are portrayed on screen. Its visual style, costume work and crowded market scenes helped bring Georgian streets to life, and it encouraged viewers and commentators to reconsider assumptions about agency, class and morality in historical dramas.

Critics and audiences responded positively overall, reflected in a solid vote average of 7.4 out of 10. Praise tended to focus on strong performances, especially among the female leads, and on the series’ willingness to probe class divides, maternal pressure, and the politics of desire. The tone mixes sharp social observation with moments of dark humor and raw emotion, making it a show that foregrounds power imbalances while keeping its characters human and unpredictable.