'Masterpiece' period comedy that has fans 'hooked' and begging for more

A beloved period comedy series is hailed as a "masterpiece" and has fans begging for more episodes. Our Flag Means Death hit screens in 2022, and follows the bizarre adventures of Stede Bonnet (played by Rhys Darby), a wealthy landowner in Barbados in the early 1700s who abandons his family and comforts to become a pirate on the high seas.

He and his crew are set on becoming a name to be reckoned with, but his crew - made up largely of novices - soon comes up against the real deal, the infamous captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). The story is loosely based on the life of the real-life Stede Bonnet, who became known as the Gentleman Pirate. The series has a 15 certificate and doesn't shy away from the violence and debauchery of pirate life.

But it was also praised for its sensitive and nuanced representation of the LGBTQ+ community, and many wish the show could have had a longer run.

One fan wrote: "The range of comedy on this show is extraordinary. It's got dark humour, lighthearted jokes, funny situations, improvisation, everything!

"I loved that even during difficult moments, it was possible to find a laugh somewhere; humour done right can be really healing.

"The characters are lovable, flawed, and constantly growing in unexpected ways, so it never gets boring. Of course, given the all-star cast and crew (pun intended), it's not surprising OFMD is this perfect."

Another said they are "grateful for this masterpiece of a show". "I'm sure I'm just echoing a lot of other viewers here, but this show is revolutionary in so many ways," they added.

A third said: "Each second of this show is just marvellous", writing: "Without big funds this show seems to fit it all into each episode and season.

"A wonderful mix of both humour, darkness, and rarely seen true realness in a show that isn't really about pirates but about belonging. It tackles so many interesting subjects and feelings with so much nuance.

"Each character in the show is given space to evolve, not as a good person nor a bad, but as a complicated and rich human, as we all are."

It gradually established a passionate fanbase and ran for two seasons before it was cancelled by Max (previously HBO Max).

One fan said as a result the series "just ends on this bittersweet note that now feels permanent". "It sucks that a show this original and heartfelt didn't get the chance to finish its story."

Another said: "I see why so many people are campaigning for it to continue! I definitely am one of them now!"

Our Flag Means Death is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.