Black Sails

:

Season 1
  • Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 25, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 415 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 316 out of 415
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 415
  3. Negative: 73 out of 415
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User Reviews

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  1. captainmartin
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    This is really a decent pirate show... If you like the style and atmosphere of Starz's Spartacus series you'll certainly fall in love with this too - raw and real experience of a pirate's everyday life including brutality, violence, sex and nudity. Cast seems to be fine and especially Toby Stephens works quite well as Captain Flint. Visuals, music and costumes are amazing both on seaThis is really a decent pirate show... If you like the style and atmosphere of Starz's Spartacus series you'll certainly fall in love with this too - raw and real experience of a pirate's everyday life including brutality, violence, sex and nudity. Cast seems to be fine and especially Toby Stephens works quite well as Captain Flint. Visuals, music and costumes are amazing both on sea during the action as well as on the land. Big budget works pretty good and I have to admit that this shows looks very promising after the first episode.
    Hint: Don't take mainstream (full of unsound and empty arguments filled with "political correctness") reviews too seriously    … Expand
  2. Rattazustra
    Mar 12, 2014
    10
    Unless one makes the mistake to confuse Black Sails with a history lesson, it is one of the best shows currently produced. The characters all have credible motive within the fictional setting and they act on it, which is more than most shows can boast.
    Casting, acting, dramaturgy, set and prop design are all spot on.
  3. breslin
    Mar 16, 2014
    10
    The first scene of Chapter I introduces John Silver. The final scene of Chapter VIII introduces -- think about it. Again the "Critics" get it oh so wrong. This show doesn't just make the obvious literary allusions, but goes all in and captures the full spirit of the book.
  4. Psyhosane
    Jan 25, 2014
    10
    This show is well worth your time. It's is bloody and savage. The main character is educated but brutal when he needs to be. He is very believable as a pirate captain.
  5. the-brewd
    Jan 25, 2014
    10
    I love the first episode, violence and sex. It could get worse and it could be better. There are some characters that are just not believable. I am looking forward to the next one.
  6. ellie219
    Feb 17, 2014
    10
    Very well made show with fantastic actors that captivates the audience. This series is now my current favourite TV series. Its awesome to see someone has finally made a pirate TV series. Love it!!!!
  7. Sketch987
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    Original, clever, well-written, well-produced and well-acted. This is by far the best tv show I've ever seen when it comes to pirates, and beats out 99% of movies in that genre too. If you like intelligent entertainment with a great mix of action, intrigue, romance and drama, then its hard to find a better TV show. I'm giving it a perfect 10, and my vote for best TV show of 2014.
  8. TgExpress
    Feb 24, 2014
    10
    I had to push through the first episode, the second I thought "okay I'll watch this"- but now I'm absolutely hooked. This is the best new show on tv - and I'm only on episode 5. Yes the nudity is unnecessary but the story and characters are so compelling you have to overlook it. It's a pirates life for me!
  9. jcs7267
    Mar 2, 2014
    10
    Excellent show! Historically accurate and highly enjoyable escapist entertainment. Costumes and sets are amazing, I hope it returns for further seasons.
  10. alexus
    Feb 23, 2014
    9
    Really surprised me, i was expecting an R-rated pirates of the Caribbean but i got so much more, when you look past the sex and violence (a huge part of pirate culture i admit) you still get an intricate web of plot twists and deep storytelling. The characters are well written and you really get the feel of an anti-hero with captain Flint not unlike Walter White from the breaking bad series.
  11. scartwright49
    Aug 1, 2014
    8
    I really like this show There are a few weaknesses. It loses focus around the middle. But the beginning and the end of the series were brilliant. However it was very annoying just how little seafaring we saw. They spent most of the season at nassau. They should have gone on a few little adventures. Exploring islands and other stuff. The story of nassau the character Eleanor Guthrie was aI really like this show There are a few weaknesses. It loses focus around the middle. But the beginning and the end of the series were brilliant. However it was very annoying just how little seafaring we saw. They spent most of the season at nassau. They should have gone on a few little adventures. Exploring islands and other stuff. The story of nassau the character Eleanor Guthrie was a little irritating and in season 2 her storylines need serious work. But there were good moments too. Its a show that shows great promise. And needs a bit of work in the other storylines aside from the main quest.… Expand
  12. Motcritic
    Feb 18, 2014
    9
    A refreshing show, no doubt.

    Everything in this tv series looks very good, the environment, the acting, the attention to detail, the characters and the story being told. The only downsize so far in the first 4 episodes is the lack of seafaring, so far its almost everything on land. This tv series doesn't care for what we the viewers want, it doesn't feed us heroes to cheer for, it    A refreshing show, no doubt.

    Everything in this tv series looks very good, the environment, the acting, the attention to detail, the characters and the story being told. The only downsize so far in the first 4 episodes is the lack of seafaring, so far its almost everything on land.

    This tv series doesn't care for what we the viewers want, it doesn't feed us heroes to cheer for, it doesn't feed us villains for the sake of making the heroes look heroes, it doesn't feed us the usual love story and love interests for the sake of doing it, it doesn't feed us violence for the sake of violence and all the nudity seen is perfectly well synced with the show pace, sorry puritans, deal with it, learn to respect our nature, we are humans, humans have bodies, just deal with it and stop with your completely biased, pointless, groundless and irrelevant rants about cheap nudity.

    If you are looking for a show that breaks the ordinary money grabbing formulas, you have one right here.    … Expand
  13. tigerlee
    Mar 16, 2014
    9
    Great to see a realist pirate series that's not for kids. Pirate are about fighting, wenching n' drinking. Pirates arrrr bad guys n' this show off many of the real things that most other movies don't address such as how pirate rules of the crew work. I own a pirate store called pirate fashions(dot)com and this gets a three guns up. Best pirate show or movie so far.
  14. poikaa
    Feb 18, 2014
    8
    Good production but a few technical flaws, one that stands out is the black flag flowing opposite of the wind on the sails of the ship. Another is the small splash of the cannon shot into the water. Free view masked the nudity and some of the gore. Good work on the dialogue but too modern for the 1700s, one would think the vocabulary of sailors to be a bit less.
    So far it seems to be a    Good production but a few technical flaws, one that stands out is the black flag flowing opposite of the wind on the sails of the ship. Another is the small splash of the cannon shot into the water. Free view masked the nudity and some of the gore. Good work on the dialogue but too modern for the 1700s, one would think the vocabulary of sailors to be a bit less.
    So far it seems to be a good story, waiting for more....    … Expand
  15. WOLF-MAN
    Jan 30, 2014
    9
    you know when it comes to depicting historical periods TV and movies rarely rise up to the occasion and end up being very cheesy and excruciatingly campy..... but the only way i could possibly describe what Starz has given us is like this- Starz built a time machine and threw a copy of treasure island in there and has warped all of time and space in that period combing historical accuracy,you know when it comes to depicting historical periods TV and movies rarely rise up to the occasion and end up being very cheesy and excruciatingly campy..... but the only way i could possibly describe what Starz has given us is like this- Starz built a time machine and threw a copy of treasure island in there and has warped all of time and space in that period combing historical accuracy, grit and mixing real and fictional pirates together in favour of having a purely fictional setting and characters...... the first episode granted didn't have much action but the the great writing, great acting and fulfilling sense of now getting to know who john silver was before treasure island. i look forward to what the future holds in store for this series and us viewers… Expand
  16. jpalame
    Jan 30, 2014
    7
    As far as pirate TV dramas go, this one is unparalleled in quality. Mostly because it has no competition. But the pilot was well directed and well acted. And the central is ambitious and interesting. A major complaint could be the lack of action and scenes shot in the sea, but the scenes on land were interesting too, so far as one is interested in the politics that go into running a pirateAs far as pirate TV dramas go, this one is unparalleled in quality. Mostly because it has no competition. But the pilot was well directed and well acted. And the central is ambitious and interesting. A major complaint could be the lack of action and scenes shot in the sea, but the scenes on land were interesting too, so far as one is interested in the politics that go into running a pirate ship. I'll continue watching because it really is beautiful (the scenes at sea are really well done) and the world feels authentic, and not so much for the central plot.… Expand
  17. jazzythechef
    Feb 18, 2014
    9
    Loving the show! was concerned about a few things, the critic reviews (they are wrong). I was concerned it would be swashbucklingly silly like the pirates movies, its not. I was concerned the blood and nudity would be oversold like in Spartacus, its not. The show feels rooted in a sense of 1700's reality, the smuggling, trading scene is well represented. the scenery and ships are gorgeous.Loving the show! was concerned about a few things, the critic reviews (they are wrong). I was concerned it would be swashbucklingly silly like the pirates movies, its not. I was concerned the blood and nudity would be oversold like in Spartacus, its not. The show feels rooted in a sense of 1700's reality, the smuggling, trading scene is well represented. the scenery and ships are gorgeous. I feel the show fills the sort of hole left open after hbo's deadwood finished. I realise its not going to be for everyone. its not overly titular, and feels like its going to maintain its own identity at the expense of some audiences. please don't cancel this show!… Expand
  18. spiskur
    Feb 27, 2014
    8
    This show has a lot of potential. I am not 100% sure that they are taking advantage of the incredible cast and plot they have. The show has definitely gotten better and I am sure will continue too. The last 3 episodes have finally gotten me hooked and I can't wait until Saturdays now.
  19. Goneforcoffee
    Feb 9, 2014
    9
    Brilliant show, was very surprised about how good it actually was after reading pages of bad critiques from "Professional" reviewers. Just goes to show that you get a much clearer picture of the show/movie by looking at the user score. While critiques seem to have lost their way and their heads, i thoroughly enjoyed this show. Some inaccurately compare it to The Johnny Depp pirate moviesBrilliant show, was very surprised about how good it actually was after reading pages of bad critiques from "Professional" reviewers. Just goes to show that you get a much clearer picture of the show/movie by looking at the user score. While critiques seem to have lost their way and their heads, i thoroughly enjoyed this show. Some inaccurately compare it to The Johnny Depp pirate movies others to the Spartacus series. It compares to neither. With believable characters a solid an engaging story and really beautiful settings this is a totally new player on the block, one i believe may very well take over the neighborhood until Game of thrones returns.… Expand
  20. Geralt_Jim
    Feb 21, 2014
    10
    First chapters a lot of plots, good plots, btw so just waiting to see naval wars but good cinematic, good actors, nudity, and that stuff... just waiting to saw some of the great pirates of the history like black beard or something!
  21. suparockin
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    If you like pirates (let's face it, who doesn't?) then this is a wonderful show. Visually stunning, there's plenty of violent action, sex scenes a plenty , fun characters with proper development and pathos all set in a heady time when swashbuckling folks ruled the seas. Game Of Thrones but with all pirates is probably a good summation, you follow various captains and crews trying to getIf you like pirates (let's face it, who doesn't?) then this is a wonderful show. Visually stunning, there's plenty of violent action, sex scenes a plenty , fun characters with proper development and pathos all set in a heady time when swashbuckling folks ruled the seas. Game Of Thrones but with all pirates is probably a good summation, you follow various captains and crews trying to get their prizes and the fortunes of Nassau's primary fence for the stolen booty, the beautiful but fiercely independent Ms Elenor Gutherie. Highly recommended.… Expand
  22. logicdss
    Mar 14, 2014
    10
    If you loved Spartacus then this by far a show you must watch !!!! Love the plots , characters, action ....great story line ....cant wait for a season II
  23. Flnn
    Nov 1, 2014
    10
    Black sails is an amazing action, adventure drama set in 1715 at the golden age of piracy. Unlike other series it has a sense of realism that is made from the violence, nudity, language and plot similar to game of thrones. The characters, setting and plot are all amazing and keep you at the edge of your seat. Infact this may be my favourite series yet behind GOT.
  24. order
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    The show is good but i was expecting a lot more from it, the potential was there to create another awesome experience like Spartacus, yet they fell short, story wise very short. I have watched the first 4 episodes, the acting, action, violence, sex, blood, music, and visuals,are all fine but there and the story just drags on and is quite boring after the fourth episode. It feels likeThe show is good but i was expecting a lot more from it, the potential was there to create another awesome experience like Spartacus, yet they fell short, story wise very short. I have watched the first 4 episodes, the acting, action, violence, sex, blood, music, and visuals,are all fine but there and the story just drags on and is quite boring after the fourth episode. It feels like fourth episodes of Black Sails was trying to portray 30 hours of real time, which just does not work for me. Solid 7/10 nothing more, nothing less. I just feel by the season end they might have ruined what could have been an awesome series for years to come, I will only hope this goes in a good direction.… Expand
  25. C3realkillah
    Jan 26, 2014
    9
    Very good, brutallly violent pirate series. Caught on to this after playing AC4 black flag. The story is good set 20 years before the events of treasure island. Very mature and violent just how pirate life is supposed to be and the acting and attention to detail are astounding. Definitely worth a watch for lovers of pirates and the rich, brutal, lives they lived.
  26. goodterling
    Jan 26, 2014
    9
    Surprisingly good is the only way to describe the pilot. This thing actually has a plot and characters. I don't know what the critics want in a pirate series if not that. The (surprisingly democratic) pirate politics were also deep and deftly handled, Game of Thrones style. People keep bringing up the sex, but it's NOTHING by pay cable standards. We're talking brief flashes of R ratedSurprisingly good is the only way to describe the pilot. This thing actually has a plot and characters. I don't know what the critics want in a pirate series if not that. The (surprisingly democratic) pirate politics were also deep and deftly handled, Game of Thrones style. People keep bringing up the sex, but it's NOTHING by pay cable standards. We're talking brief flashes of R rated bits, so far at least. Somebody blew it by giving Black Sails ZERO promotion when it had the best pilot episode of the season.… Expand
  27. 111111111111111
    Mar 7, 2014
    10
    I love this series! I can't wait for the next chapter to come each week! Granted.........I am a pirate at heart so I may be biased!!
    In my youth I lived on a boat for a year so can sympathize
    a little with the pirate life.
  28. joarwho
    Feb 4, 2015
    10
    It starts off slow, but after a few episodes I realized that this is a truly amazing show! Great characters, amazing effects and very interesting story.
  29. Zlatan
    Jan 16, 2016
    10
    I do not get the critics of this one. Were they paid to give bad reviews?
    The series has a refreshing setting and involving story. From a "smaller" studio they did a great job of creating a series that comes close to other big TV shows. The 3 first episodes do drag a bit but from there it just gets better and better.
  30. toliverjohn
    Jan 25, 2014
    7
    This well worth watching. It is definitely rated R. Do not let the little ones watch this. This series does not pretend to be historically accurate. The special effects are well done!
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
2
#2 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 27, 2014
    50
    The drama is nothing more than a video game, with a story secondary to the blood and sex.
    Read full review
  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Feb 13, 2014
    67
    The era is a rich vein to mine, and to their credit, the creators are light on pirate cliches--I do not believe one "aargh!" is uttered--but at the same time, there's a little too much emphasis on pirate economics and labor disputes than is necessary, and the sprawling cast and hierarchy a little hard to keep straight.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Jan 27, 2014
    70
    While the series, which opens with a ship being boarded and taken, does have its moments of big, noisy action (see: Michael Bay, above), it spends a lot of time on land, as well, with the main characters taking care of business, making plans, laying traps and working on their surprisingly complicated personal relationships. There is also, tedious to relate, an abundance of female nudity.... Other than that, Black Sails' depiction of daily life among the pirates is plausibly authentic and workaday, and the Nassau through which they roam feels real and well-peopled.
    Read full review
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