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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Hogwa
    Oct 5, 2014
    3
    Black marks more like it. It sounds like a bunch of uppercrust schoolboys on a day at the seaside who spend all of their pieces of eight looking at what the butler saw. Spare us please any more of this drivel. Come back Robert Newton your Long John Silver has never been mastered. Trying to modernise the speak sound of past pirates is just not cutting the cake can you imagine a pirate onBlack marks more like it. It sounds like a bunch of uppercrust schoolboys on a day at the seaside who spend all of their pieces of eight looking at what the butler saw. Spare us please any more of this drivel. Come back Robert Newton your Long John Silver has never been mastered. Trying to modernise the speak sound of past pirates is just not cutting the cake can you imagine a pirate on the Spanish Main saying Pass the ale please old chap. Not likely, more like" shove that beer over erh b!for I slit ya from arsend to breakfast time" Did the producers not look back at some of the golden oldies like" The Bucaneers" or" Treasure Island" ? I will never forget watching that film and how at the start Blind Pew came tapping along the path on his way to the" Admiral Benbow" to deliver the Black Spot. Who among those that watch this over rated sex and baccy tale even know who Flint,John,Bones etc were? The cast are all dressed to look as though they have been to the most expensive clothing shops in the modern world. Adam Ant had more going for him than some of these would be pirates.If we are going to depict the time then lets get dressed as they would have in the day. Deadwood had it right. A great show. I am compelled to watch this fancy dress pirate show because I want to see the mexican stand off at the end as there surely will be. Although I am all for the female form it is sickening to see so much nudity and an insult to women. The odd flash of a female thigh or a quick glimpse of a breast is quite enough, leave the rest to guess work. The plot is rubbish and the actors need more time at rada.Oh dear now I have done it old chap.… Expand
  4. Captiosus
    Mar 16, 2014
    4
    Season 1 of Black Sails is now in the books and all I can say is, "That's it?" Let me give you a very basic synopsis: Episodes 1-7 are exposition while episode 8 is a cliffhanger. It's 7 and a half hours of build up and 30 minutes of minimal action with no payoff at the end.

    This show is more about backstabbing, political power plays, and gratuitous sex than the golden age of piracy.    Season 1 of Black Sails is now in the books and all I can say is, "That's it?" Let me give you a very basic synopsis: Episodes 1-7 are exposition while episode 8 is a cliffhanger. It's 7 and a half hours of build up and 30 minutes of minimal action with no payoff at the end.

    This show is more about backstabbing, political power plays, and gratuitous sex than the golden age of piracy. I'm all for building exposition in a story but this story just droned on and on until the predictable cliffhanger in the final five minutes of episode 8. Black Sails is nowhere near on par with other cable series like Game of Thrones or The Borgias, even when compared directly to their respective first seasons.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. Nobilis1984
    Feb 15, 2014
    4
    High quality series with substantive weaknesses.

    A very high quality produced series. But what will not let me fall into jumping for joy is the boring content.
    The dialogues are bored and if not even fought bob the episodes ahead. A shame about the wasted money.
  7. meg_n_mon
    Feb 12, 2014
    3
    I have really tried to like this. Starz has been amazing in bringing us some wild and wonderful programs to watch. The plot is 'meh' and I have not really liked any of the characters. I had it on my schedule - but I just would rather watch something else. Great sets and scenery. Excellent production quality. There are better programs out there. Sorry!
  8. Ur_all_idiots
    Apr 5, 2014
    1
    NO no no. A show with no simi-likable charters. Sorry I've watch the first 8 episodes and I now feel that I've wasted my time. I can not get behind any of the charters at this point. Starz put a lot of money behind this but very little in the writing and character development. No one is likable. You want all of them to fail so why watch? I'll stick to my Vikings on the history channelNO no no. A show with no simi-likable charters. Sorry I've watch the first 8 episodes and I now feel that I've wasted my time. I can not get behind any of the charters at this point. Starz put a lot of money behind this but very little in the writing and character development. No one is likable. You want all of them to fail so why watch? I'll stick to my Vikings on the history channel which is free! This fail of a show is behind me now.… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. firedragon99
    Mar 17, 2014
    3
    I feel really let down by this show. I was hyped up for this show. And was let down by a lot of the casting choices. Even the main character-flint is a questionable choice, while he looks fearsome, he comes out as a bit monotonous, or simple expressions.

    And the storyline is way under par from anything. The character Max should've been killed off, and I wonder the reason for her    I feel really let down by this show. I was hyped up for this show. And was let down by a lot of the casting choices. Even the main character-flint is a questionable choice, while he looks fearsome, he comes out as a bit monotonous, or simple expressions.

    And the storyline is way under par from anything. The character Max should've been killed off, and I wonder the reason for her existence every episode.

    Way below the par of even Pirates the Carribean And way more boring too, doesn't have any fantasy elements to it, and doesn't do a great job of explaining things, and the mundane things that pirates do, doesn't really explain like anchoring, and seeing the hour glass and measuring knots.

    So, So BORING! I was expecting an exciting adventurous or bloody and realistic pirates of the carribean. There's actually nothing in the show.

    This is from a guy who loves the Pirates of the Carribean movies, loves Game of Thrones, Spartacus seasons 1 &2 with the original actor, HBO's the pacific.

    This show had a lot of promise, but unfortunately let down. But will probably make it across for season 2. But, it needs a new director. And needs to incorporate some fantasy elements to it. And it can make a lot of money , and be Starz's Game of Thrones.    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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!!!!
  18. 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.
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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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