David Farnor | On 04, Jul 2020

BBC Two has acquired the rights to Harlots, the playful period drama starring Lesley Manville and Samantha Morton.

Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian London, Harlots is a powerful family drama offering a brand new take on the city’s most valuable commercial activity – sex. Inspired by the stories of real women, the series follows Margaret Wells (Morton) and her daughters, as she struggles to reconcile her roles as mother and brothel owner.

When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley (Manville), a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret must fight back, even if it means putting her family at risk. Manville and Morton are joined by Jessica Brown Findlay as Charlotte, Margaret’s eldest daughter and the city’s most coveted courtesan, who begins to grapple with her position in both society and her immediate family.

The cast also includes Hugh Skinner and, from Season 3, Liv Tyler. Harlots is written by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini (Jane Eyre, Tamara Drewe) and created by Moira Buffini and Alison Newman. Alison Carpenter, Debra Hayward and Alison Owen serve as Executive Producers.

“Lesley Manville and Samantha Morton are having a ball in this playful period drama,” we wrote in our review of Season 1.

Produced by Monumental Pictures, part of ITV Studios, the series premiered on Hulu in the US and debuts exclusively on STARZPLAY in the UK. Now, BBC Two will air the show on linear TV, with all three seasons lined up for the channel.

Sue Deeks, BBC Head of Programme Acquisition, says: “Aided by a truly magnificent cast, Harlots brings 18th Century London to life with enormous style, wit, intelligence and humour. BBC viewers will become immersed in the gripping lives of business women Margaret Wells and Lydia Quigley as they make their way in London’s grimy, decadent world.”

Season 1 and 2 will air back-to-back this year, with Season 3 to follow at a later date. Until then, you can stream the show on STARZPLAY, which costs £4.99 a month.

Harlots: Season 1 to 3 is available to watch online in the UK on STARZPLAY, a streaming service that costs £4.99 a month. The platform is available on Virgin Media On Demand or through Amazon Prime Video Channels, both as an add-on subscription to your existing account.

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