Watch Harlots

Set in the late 18th century in Georgian London, Harlots is a period drama that chronicles the lives of two rival brothel owners, Margaret Wells (Lesley Manville) and Lydia Quigley (Kate Fleetwood). The show follows their struggle for control of the lucrative sex trade in the city and how their personal lives impact their business dealings. Holli Dempsey plays Emily Lacey, a young prostitute working for Margaret.

The series is a bold and unflinching retelling of the lives of sex workers in 18th century London, and is refreshingly told from their perspective. Harlots is an unapologetic and fearless portrayal of prostitution, acknowledging the exploitation and abuse that these women faced while also celebrating their resilience and strength. The show's creators have taken care to celebrate the diverse experiences of these women, highlighting and exploring the racial and class differences that existed within the industry.

Lesley Manville's portrayal of Margaret is a powerful one. Margaret is a determined and ambitious woman who will do whatever it takes to protect her family and her business, even if that means sacrificing her own morals. At the same time, she is a nurturing and loving mother who wants nothing more than to provide a better life for her daughters. Kate Fleetwood's Lydia is the show's antagonist, a ruthless and cruel madam who uses her influence and wealth to control the city's sex trade. Lydia views the women who work for her as disposable and has no qualms about exploiting them for her own gain.

Holli Dempsey's character Emily provides a more grounded perspective on life in the brothels. She is a young woman from the countryside who is forced to work as a prostitute to support herself. Emily is naive and inexperienced, and her struggles to adjust to life in London's sex trade provide a stark contrast to the more experienced and hardened women working around her.

One of the show's strengths is its attention to detail in recreating the look and feel of 18th century London. The sets and costumes are stunning, and the show's creators have paid close attention to historical accuracy in their depictions of everything from the architecture to the clothing. The attention to detail extends to the show's soundtrack, which features a blend of traditional and contemporary music to create a unique atmosphere for each episode.

Overall, Harlots is a gripping and powerful drama that puts the experiences of sex workers front and center. The show's attention to detail, strong performances, and fearless storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of period dramas and anyone interested in exploring the lives of women in history.

Harlots is a series that ran for 3 seasons (24 episodes) between March 29, 2017 and on Hulu Originals