Hands up if you miss the steamy escapism of Bridgerton? You're not alone. While season three of the regency romance feels years away, Apple TV+ has announced a new series which will hopefully tide us over until then. It's called The Buccaneers and it's the brainchild of an all-female creative team, which is a bonus. Here's everything we know so far.

 

What is The Buccaneers about?

From glimpsing the series trailer, which was filmed in Scotland, there's something about The Buccaneers that feels similar, in spirit at least, to Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Little Women with undertones of Edith Wharton's late 19th century portrait of New York high society. The latter inkling is easily explained – The Buccaneers is based off of Wharton's unfinished final novel of the same name. It's not the first time the book has been adapted for the screen; in 1995 BBC One reimagined the novel with names like Mira Sorvino and Carla Gugino.

Set during the Gilded Age, It follows five wealthy American girls who are denied entry into New York society and, with the help of a clever governess, touch down in London's strict and traditional courting season instead in search of husbands of their own.

Of course, just as was the case with Bridgerton, The Buccaneers is told through a feminist revisionist lens, so expect modern themes on love and dating (including a juicy love triangle), a killer soundtrack directed by Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa, comprising Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Angel Olsen, Bikini Kill, Sharon Van Etten, and much more.

 

Who is involved?

At the heart of the action is Nan St. George, played by Kristine Frøseth who you will know from Lena Dunham's Sharp Stick and Looking for Alaska. Imogen Waterhouse (sister of Suki Waterhouse) will play Nan's sister Jinny, while Christina Hendricks has signed on as their mother Mrs St. George. Also involved is Alisha Boe of 13 Reasons Why as Conchita Closson, while Josie Totah and Aubri Ibrag will play sisters Lizzy and Mabel Elmsworth. Rounding off the female cast is Kate Winslet's daughter, Mia Threapleton and the uptight Brit, Honoria Marable.

There are men involved, namely, Josh Dylan, Matthew Broome, Guy Remmers, and Barney Fishwick.

The Buccaneers is created by British comedian, writer and actor Katherine Jakeways and directed by Susanna White. The pair also serve as executive producers, alongside Beth Willis.

 

Is there a release date?

The first three episodes of The Buccaneers will drop on Apple TV+ on November 8, 2023. From there, the remaining five episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays until December 13, 2023.

 

Is there a trailer?

Set to the sound of Olivia Rodrigo's all-american bitch, this one will go down nicely, we think.