Watch Real Pirates

Real Pirates is a thrilling historical documentary series that takes the viewers on a captivating journey through the golden age of piracy. The show is presented by the acclaimed English actor, John Woodvine, who guides the audience through the tales of some of the most notorious pirates who terrorized the high seas during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The first episode of the series sets the tone for the rest of the show by starting with a visit to the underwater wreckage of the Whydah, a notorious pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717. Viewers are treated to a detailed examination of the artifacts recovered from the wreckage, as well as the harrowing tale of how the ship came to be sunk by a raging storm, taking almost all of the crew and loot with it.

From there, the series dives deep into the lives of some of the most infamous pirates of the era, including Edward Teach (better known as Blackbeard), William Kidd (Captain Kidd), and Anne Bonny. The show explores how these notorious figures came to be pirates, what motivated them to take to the seas, and how they managed to evade the law for so long.

Viewers are also given a fascinating insight into the lives of the ordinary sailors and pirates who worked and lived aboard these vessels. From the grueling day-to-day work of hauling heavy cargo and navigating treacherous waters, to the bawdy drinking, gambling, and fighting that characterized life on board, the series shows how these men and women sought to make a living in a world that offered few other opportunities.

One of the standout features of Real Pirates is its use of historical reenactments to bring these stories to life. Viewers are treated to vivid recreations of shipboard battles, daring escapes, and tense confrontations between pirates and the navy. These scenes are expertly choreographed and filmed, giving the show a cinematic quality that adds to the excitement and drama of the story.

Another excellent feature of the show is its use of expert interviews and historical analysis to provide context and background to these tales. Viewers learn about the ways in which piracy impacted world events, from the way it disrupted trade routes and economies, to the role that pirates played in shaping the political and social landscape of the era.

Despite its focus on the sensational and thrilling stories of pirates and their exploits, Real Pirates also offers a nuanced and insightful look at the history of piracy. Viewers come away from the show with a deeper understanding of the complex social, economic, and political factors that gave rise to piracy during this era, as well as the toll that piracy took on the lives of those who chose to become pirates.

In summary, Real Pirates is a gripping and fascinating historical documentary series that explores the world of piracy during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its engaging storytelling, expert analysis, and stunning reenactments make it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of piracy or the era in which it thrived.

Real Pirates is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between May 1, 2008 and on Questar