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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  1. LinttaFlamingo
    Mar 12, 2019
    5
    The first season of Black Sails is an interesting one, since the show probably has the most noticeable change in quality just randomly in the middle of a season I've seen so far in any TV-show. I basically considered quitting and just deleting all the notes I took after episodes 1-4 because this show was SO. F*CKING, EXCRUCIATINGLY. BORING. And I actually did quit for a few months becauseThe first season of Black Sails is an interesting one, since the show probably has the most noticeable change in quality just randomly in the middle of a season I've seen so far in any TV-show. I basically considered quitting and just deleting all the notes I took after episodes 1-4 because this show was SO. F*CKING, EXCRUCIATINGLY. BORING. And I actually did quit for a few months because I just couldn't take it. The reason I suffered through those first four episodes was because I just wanted a good pirate show so bad. I'd been longing for an awesome gripping brutal pirate adventure, and a friend of mine strongly recommended this.

    But the first four episodes are so badly paced that they basically have a billion events in them and absolutely nothing at the same time. You watch these characters talk, and talk more, and they're so serious about all of it and try to convince that there's an absolute ton at stake here. But it just felt like nothing. I understand that a "realistic" pirate life isn't just yelling and singing on a ship and talking like YARRR SET THEM SAILS YE HORSES*ITS BEFORE I PISS MESELF. But they basically do nothing creative in this otherwise gorgeous and colorful island. The only thing I felt slightly invested in was the brothel storyline since it had some actual interesting events and disturbing drama. Everything else just felt like a ton of political stuff crammed together and new relationships happening that I just didn't care about.

    So after those four episodes I stopped for a few months and decided to come back a few days ago. I don't think it was just the break that did it, but in the fifth episode the crew finally gets on the pirate ship and things start picking up so much!!! I was finally watching an awesome pirate adventure. For the four remaining episodes of the season we got a pirate fight like every episode, some actual tension and drama and I started caring about the characters a lot more. Toby Stephens and Mark Ryan were absolutely fantastic in their roles, they were just a joy to watch. The remaining four episodes are proof of the obvious that there should always be more visual storytelling. The drama and dialogue stay consistent, there are unpredictable deaths that made me feel like there's actually something at stake and the soundtrack is awesome! Just a huge albeit almost confusing boost in quality. Definitely got my interest, I will watch more of the show now, and I've heard that the later seasons just get better and better!    … Expand
  2. RubyTV
    Feb 14, 2019
    6
    It's really messy and the stories don't have any focus but at some points it's entertaining and fun to watch. 63/100
  3. MovieRates
    May 25, 2018
    9
    If you can't get enough of the pirate era, this one is for you! While the series has some problems: at times it isn't realistic and the story takes a long time to develop, it is quite interesting and intriguing. There is a lot of deeper intrigue and complexity in the characters. The ending is heartbreaking, but I wont spoil that for you! So yes, despite the critics, I would recommend this series.
  4. lager96
    Nov 20, 2017
    8
    Black Sails season one took a little while to get into its groove but once it did the show truly became one of a kind. The show had some slow moments but by the end of the season the writers created some truly great characters who had great motivations.
  5. eva3si0n
    Nov 20, 2017
    7
    Not bad series about pirates. The setting is quite rare therefore only it and selects series. All the rest is executed at the average level, except for of course suits of actors. They are made at the nice level. Action of the first season is a little tightened, but the last two series excellent: dynamic and drayfovy. As the beginning of series is quite tolerable.
  6. cterryr2
    Apr 14, 2017
    6
    Was hoping this would be more like Vikings. It's not. It's silly. A boob flash cant make up for the lack of ship battles, sword fights and seriousness. Some decent characters. The writing is thin. Not historically accurate by any account. This should be on the WB network for kiddies. Too bad as I was hoping for a serious show about pirates but this isn't it.
  7. MaXiMuS_54
    Mar 5, 2017
    8
    Black Sails is a pretty realistic depiction of piracy and not the stereotypical kind. Most of the main characters are pragmatic and rarely let emotions get the better of their decision making. As such, it makes for a pretty interesting story as characters make some bold and tough decisions. It also has some pretty gruesome violence which is appropriate for piracy. The first season isBlack Sails is a pretty realistic depiction of piracy and not the stereotypical kind. Most of the main characters are pragmatic and rarely let emotions get the better of their decision making. As such, it makes for a pretty interesting story as characters make some bold and tough decisions. It also has some pretty gruesome violence which is appropriate for piracy. The first season is rather slow, as there are many characters to introduce along with their personalities. After that though it picks up pretty quickly and is a lot more entertaining. Aside from that the only other problem with the show that I have is the seemingly random and unrealistic turn to bisexuality added at one point to a specific character.… Expand
  8. xenowars
    Dec 8, 2016
    0
    What a load of pretentious nonsense this is. I was so looking forward to watching this before I subscribed to Amazon Prime, especially as the concept looked inviting, but it just goes to show that IMDb's ratings can sometimes be so wrong.

    Some of the acting is laughable: the Charles Vane character is right over the top. And "Long" John Silver doesn't look too long to me. Billy Bones    What a load of pretentious nonsense this is. I was so looking forward to watching this before I subscribed to Amazon Prime, especially as the concept looked inviting, but it just goes to show that IMDb's ratings can sometimes be so wrong.

    Some of the acting is laughable: the Charles Vane character is right over the top. And "Long" John Silver doesn't look too long to me. Billy Bones looks like he's been in the gym too long, and the women all look like models from Playboy. And can Anne Bonney stop trying to look enigmatic all the time with that silly hat on?! At least Calico Jack seems real.

    The drama isn't credibly dramatic at all, and apart from a few London accents there aren't any Cornish/Devonshire etc accents at all: too many of these pirates sound like BBC newsreaders. It's obvious that a load of money has been thrown into this, however it would have been money well spent if they had hired some decent script writers rather than trying to make early 18th C Nassau look like Benidorm. Definitely for the American market.    … Expand
  9. cucumbermaster
    Nov 23, 2016
    8
    This TV series based on both fictional and real historical pirate characters, though with a slow moving plot, has brilliant and beautiful scenes that were well thought of. For those who say that they rely on the nudity and sex for more views, they might just be right, but the story-line is an exciting one if you have the patience. I wouldn't recommend it to people who crave only action inThis TV series based on both fictional and real historical pirate characters, though with a slow moving plot, has brilliant and beautiful scenes that were well thought of. For those who say that they rely on the nudity and sex for more views, they might just be right, but the story-line is an exciting one if you have the patience. I wouldn't recommend it to people who crave only action in their programs. This show gets better by the series story-wise, trust me. Very good show.… Expand
  10. abm0
    Sep 7, 2016
    10
    Superb superb series, this gave me something to watch when GoT turned to crap around season 3. In the meantime it's reached its own S3 and it shows no signs of becoming less epic in any way. 10/10 for every season so far.
  11. Mak0
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    It baffles me that people give this show anything below a 7. Simply put this show is amazing. Every single episode is almost like watching a full length, big budget movie. 1. The storyline is amazing with it's plot twists, and the killing of main supporting characters just like in GOT. 2. The costumes, settings and scenery are absolutely stunning, there is almost no CGI involved, andIt baffles me that people give this show anything below a 7. Simply put this show is amazing. Every single episode is almost like watching a full length, big budget movie. 1. The storyline is amazing with it's plot twists, and the killing of main supporting characters just like in GOT. 2. The costumes, settings and scenery are absolutely stunning, there is almost no CGI involved, and whenever there is some, it looks realistic and uses spectacular angles, like flyby's and birds' eye's view of ship battles. 3. The acting by all actors is top notch, cand find a flaw in any of it. This is the ONLY show that i can put along sides with Game of Thrones, and due more realistic setting, I prefer this shows at some level, more than GOT.
    There is also a good line of moral philosophy that is being used throughout the series, especially in the later seasons, and it's not some random scripted stuff, but philosophy that actually makes sense. Absolutely a must watch, this show deserves more credit, it's simply the best show until GOT is out.    … Expand
  12. JustShai
    Mar 31, 2016
    8
    Historical fiction at its finest! Full of salty sea hardened characters, tough as croc leather pirates, bawdy femmes and all in service of a great story. This is the kind of series you binge watch with friends as you pass around the grog and bong.( Aye, me hearties!) Loved every episode and especially fond of Captain Flint. Highly recommend to sailors and land lubbers alike..:-)
  13. Charyllee
    Mar 15, 2016
    0
    I cannot understand why some producers have to turn a series like this into a porn flick. The nudity, horrible language and constant sex scenes make it impossible to stomach. I love pirate series; however, I am unable to get past the garbage on this one. It is such a shame that this one couldn't be more like the Viking series. Good acting will out do garbage any day.
  14. Mooncalfian
    Mar 13, 2016
    10
    After the first few episodes this quickly becomes the best thing on TV since Breaking Bad. Some of it is a little far fetched, but by and large it's stunning, exciting, well written, brilliantly acted, and doesn't rush.
  15. daryokickass
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    awesome show, great history, great characters,great environment, great acting, the attention to detail. realy love this show. If you like pirates come to us and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  16. httr
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    This show is totally awesome. The pirate life was dark, dirty and desperate. This show totally displays this in a extremely nice fashion. This is a must watch... although make sure the kiddies are put to bed first.
  17. sonder
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    If you can see past the boobs, and stick out the first couple of episodes, you will realize that black sails is a good TV show. Black sails has been undeservedly slandered by critics, because it does introduce gratuitous sex and boobs. But, this is a staple of pay TV. Black Sails however, is very unexpectedly good. The pace and cinematography is intentionally stylized, but only enoughIf you can see past the boobs, and stick out the first couple of episodes, you will realize that black sails is a good TV show. Black sails has been undeservedly slandered by critics, because it does introduce gratuitous sex and boobs. But, this is a staple of pay TV. Black Sails however, is very unexpectedly good. The pace and cinematography is intentionally stylized, but only enough to barely break the 4th wall and acknowledge the viewer.

    I love the writing of Black Sails the most. Hats off to the writers, who make all of the competent actors into sympathetic characters, whose interests and enemies are constantly shifting sands. Every episode has at least one monologue, but the monologues are **** good. The dialogue that plays off monologues is even better.

    You start watching Black Sails expecting to find something even worse than the last lackluster Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Instead, Black Sails is at its heart an intelligent and thoughtful show. There are HBO shows like the Newsroom that try hard to be intelligent and deep, and these shows end up trite "gee makes you think" tropes. And then you have Black Sails, a violence and boob filled show about pirates, with no pretensions of greatness, that even is tied to Treasure Island, and it's a somehow a more intelligent, thought-provoking show than 98% of "Golden Age" TV. I kid you not, stick with it, at least if you're into action movies at all. Each season is better than the last.

    I wish more people watched this show, and I hope it continues to the likely bloody end.    … Expand
  18. Kimharvest
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    Black Sails has been  a joy for me to watch. Season 3 is proving to be a continuation of surprises and excitement. Just when the power mongers juxapositioning seems dead-on full, a trump card is introduced in the presence of Blackbeard! Edward Teach will school all! The first and second episode is foreboding and includes a ship to ship race into a raging storm with great spellbindingBlack Sails has been  a joy for me to watch. Season 3 is proving to be a continuation of surprises and excitement. Just when the power mongers juxapositioning seems dead-on full, a trump card is introduced in the presence of Blackbeard! Edward Teach will school all! The first and second episode is foreboding and includes a ship to ship race into a raging storm with great spellbinding shots! People, let go of your petty criticisms and sit back and enjoy. No distant past can be recreated exactly. Rid the world of professional critics! Is there no sense of wonder left in your souls? Your opinions are frankly moot to the rest of us humans. A few years ago, I caught a pirate exhibition at the Denver Museum and this show exemplifies the attainment towards democracy and equality between races that in reality was true.  Black Sails is an interesting study of powerful wills, desires and dreams with flaws on every side. Then again, were the pirates any worse than the powerful heads of State? A good lesson to observe during an election year in the US.  Beware of agendas! Beware of power! Beware and learn from the past. Great excuse to look up some history and learn. I wonder; who are the pirates of today?… Expand
  19. Gereminus
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    Wow I am speechless, this is the best freshest most realistic delicious pirate series I have ever seen!
    Whoever made this series got some serious serious talent
  20. 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.
  21. chpric9
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    An incredible series of movies strung together to work as a TV serial. The action is practically non-stop, with fascinating sets and costumes. The violence and destruction is amazing though a bit gory at times, but about the only complaint I can muster is that the language is too modern for the era and repetitious in it's phrases. Also, the duration of sex acts are superfluous thoughAn incredible series of movies strung together to work as a TV serial. The action is practically non-stop, with fascinating sets and costumes. The violence and destruction is amazing though a bit gory at times, but about the only complaint I can muster is that the language is too modern for the era and repetitious in it's phrases. Also, the duration of sex acts are superfluous though frequently funny, and could do with less reality and more fantasy, but perhaps I'm being prudish.… Expand
  22. GreenGoblin215
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    Wow so I just finished re-watching S1 of Black Sails today and I figured that I would give you my written review. I absolutely love this show. I will start with the story which takes place in 1715 roughly 20 years prior to "Treasure Island" and revolves around Captain Flint and how him and his crew try to survive and thrive in Nassau. I admire that time period very much and they capturedWow so I just finished re-watching S1 of Black Sails today and I figured that I would give you my written review. I absolutely love this show. I will start with the story which takes place in 1715 roughly 20 years prior to "Treasure Island" and revolves around Captain Flint and how him and his crew try to survive and thrive in Nassau. I admire that time period very much and they captured the aesthetic perfectly in my opinion. The visuals and sound design are superfluous in the best way possible. I will now move onto the acting which was cast flawlessly. The 2 main characters are Captain Flint played by Toby Stephens and Captain Charles Vane played by Zach McGowan. The other cast members while major also did a tremendously great job portraying there characters. I will now move onto the action and Holy Smokes let me tell you that it's Intense. The whole crew from the writers to directors and etc spared no expense when showing the brutality of open water war. The fighting was vicious and relentless which I love. I would recommend it especially if you like Spartacus or Game of Thrones then you will love this show. I will say that it doesn't have the amount of violence that is displayed in the shows I just mentioned but it's still up there with the best of them. I will finish off by saying that you should watch this show immediately. I'm going to be buying S2 on Blu-ray next week. I haven't seen it yet but when I do I will post my review for Season 2 as well. I would also like to mention that they have announced Season 4 of Black Sails even before Season 3 airs so don't worry about it being canceled. Knock on Wood lol. Well thanks again and take care.… Expand
  23. Lasarian
    Aug 2, 2015
    10
    If the prolonged fashion for action/CGI movies is based on dumbed-down Adventure movies without the heart, this show is all heart. It's steady but enjoyable build up in the first season payed off big time in season 2, as I predicted it would. It's already one of the best shows on tv, period. The critics seem to have badly misjudged this great story, they're clearly idiots or lackingIf the prolonged fashion for action/CGI movies is based on dumbed-down Adventure movies without the heart, this show is all heart. It's steady but enjoyable build up in the first season payed off big time in season 2, as I predicted it would. It's already one of the best shows on tv, period. The critics seem to have badly misjudged this great story, they're clearly idiots or lacking passion and a sense of adventure - maybe a result of watching too many crappy Hollywood action movies or bias towards Bay who has his name 'over the door' even though its run and written by others. Season 3 sounds like it's going to be even better. Yes, really. I can not wait! I love Vikings and Game of Thrones but, with its story uncompromised, this is better. Seriously, if the genre or Bear's theme music stirs something in you, then join the Breathren and climb aboard this ship. It's the best entertainment to be found on tv right now.… Expand
  24. ravikrishhnan
    Jul 6, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the series. Finished Season one last weekend, and now 2/3 rd of season 2 is done.
    The UP side of the series is, it shows a more reality scenario of what could have been the situations back in 1715 period. The captain is not one who simply outshines everyone and wins the day. The captain Flint faces struggles, makes difficult decisions, face mutiny (a lot). The graphic s8x and nudity at times feels over used (meh , Why I am I complaining) The CGI is good, all scenes look realisitc. Story line becomes more gripping from S02 onwards. All characters are equally important and lot of twists(not great ones though) in every episodes. You know you have a good tv show, when characters starts to annoy you, irritate you and u start hating / loving them.

    Downside is in the mid way of season 2, at times the story line becomes a little dragging, not evidently though. Plus Nud*ty is quite a lot(wht the hell am I complaining again)

    On the whole I liked it a lot, and could relate to the places and pirates as i am playing Black Flag(AC 4) simultaneously.

    Critics are over critical, esp Huffington Post. This show is anything but mediocre    … Expand
  25. pythagorus
    Feb 25, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I sort of enjoyed this for a few episodes, but the recent writing is just awful. Richard Guthrie has an unbelievable metamorphosis from an ass to a caring father, not believable. And Captain Flint with a gay affair? Please. I know the writer must be gay, but does that mean everyone else in the world has to swing from your side of the plate. It was bad enough when Anne Bonney had to be a lesbian or bisexual or whatever. So I guess we just get one dimensional writing where every character has gender identity issues. Ms Barlow explains to us that Flint is a violent pirate blowing up the fort because he feels guilt about his gay affair? ROTFL. And then Rackham has to make a choice between Max and Anne because the crew can accept one but not two women? LOL - how contrived. Guess the writing room has writers block, so they are definitely mailing it in for season two. Didn't take long to jump the shark, just barely into season 2 and it is no longer worth watching.… Expand
  26. Bo33y
    Feb 16, 2015
    4
    Thespian pirates use a peg, or hook, but whichever else jolly rogers? Never much of a silver tongue when dialogue used, profanity, on the internal politics of piracy, mostly requiring eye patches from all lack of pirating.

    X marking the spot in rated attempt at viewing pirate booty, although trying too watch anything here would send asleep often dreadfully boring. I wanted to watch    Thespian pirates use a peg, or hook, but whichever else jolly rogers? Never much of a silver tongue when dialogue used, profanity, on the internal politics of piracy, mostly requiring eye patches from all lack of pirating.

    X marking the spot in rated attempt at viewing pirate booty, although trying too watch anything here would send asleep often dreadfully boring.

    I wanted to watch swashbuckling, prating, naval wars, largely not what has been weakly shown tediously.    … Expand
  27. 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.
  28. BookmasterPete
    Feb 1, 2015
    9
    Uncommonly good. This under the radar series can more than hold its own (and then some) with any of the other current premium channel series out there, with the possible exception of Game of Thrones. Two episodes in and Season 2 is off to a great start.
  29. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 27, 2015
    6
    Despite a theme that is both promising and compelling the first season of this Starz show is rarely more than a vehicle for f-bombs, nudity, and intense violence. Basically it's mostly just a display of what you can't get outside of premium cable. It's still an entertaining show at times, but given that things only shape up in the plot department right near the end its clear that theDespite a theme that is both promising and compelling the first season of this Starz show is rarely more than a vehicle for f-bombs, nudity, and intense violence. Basically it's mostly just a display of what you can't get outside of premium cable. It's still an entertaining show at times, but given that things only shape up in the plot department right near the end its clear that the second season is the one where things happen.

    When the show isn't over-indulging in sex scenes you're mostly left to deal with rather bland characters. They all mostly seem to be an archetype with no backstories to make us care about them. The plot also plods along at a slow pace. Mostly just hinting at character having ulterior motives and taking too long to explain how the economic part of their world works.

    This all begins to get better as it goes on though. Little revelations help viewers get a grasp on the overall picture and open up parts of character's lives that makes them actually somewhat compelling. Twists, secrets, and backstabbings begin to create enjoyable scenarios and tension that can keep people entertained. However that all happens right near the end of this season so the majority of it is just hollow.

    It's almost fitting that this was executively produced by Michael Bay. Like most things barring his name it's more flash than substance. The way this season concludes points to some bigger and better things with season 2 so there is reason to stick around. However despite how entertaining the graphic sex and nudity can be this season left me wanting more and not in that good way.

    There are elements of the show that do make me want to set sail with these pirates, however they aren't what's so emphasized this season. Hopefully season 2 lives up to the promises this season contained. As it stands this first season can be pretty entertaining. It just needed to focus less on the TNA and more on the plot and characters.

    My total score for this season is a 6.5/10.    … Expand
  30. 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.
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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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