Our Flag Means Death

Stede Bonnet is an aristocrat who walks away from a comfortable life and buys a pirate ship, the Revenge, hoping to prove himself as a captain. He tries to command a crew that doubts him, makes plenty of mistakes, and slowly learns what leadership requires. After an unpredictable encounter with the feared Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, Stede's plans shift and his habits and loyalties are tested. The series keeps the tone light at times and serious at others, letting relationships and character growth drive the plot while the crew struggles to keep their ship intact on the open sea.

Debuted in 2022, the series was created by David Jenkins, Natalie Torres, and Jes Tom. It blends comedy, action and drama, and features Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Edward Teach among a strong ensemble cast.

The show built a devoted fanbase that responded to its tender, sometimes oddball take on pirate life. Its portrayal of queer desire and unexpected emotional beats sparked wide online discussion, fan art, and social media moments, helping the series stand out from other historical comedies.

Critics and viewers praised the mix of silly and sincere, with a 7.616/10 average from audience votes. Reviewers often highlighted how the series upends pirate clichés and focuses on identity, unusual leadership, found family, and how masculinity can be redefined. Performances are frequently singled out for turning what could have been cartoonish roles into nuanced characters.

The show hasn't collected major industry awards, but it generated significant critical attention and lively fan engagement. Cast performances, costume choices, and the show's queer storyline kept it in year-end conversations and helped it maintain momentum across seasons.