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. 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.
  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. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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!!!!
  10. 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!
  11. 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
  12. greymongel
    Mar 2, 2014
    10
    Love it....... please hang in there until episode 5 and 6........youl be happy that you did......first 4 was land last 4 episodes ;pts pf sea battles im hopeing ;>
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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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