Harlots

‘Harlots: Cortesanas’ ('Harlots') is a British period drama created by Alison Newman and Moira Buffini and produced by Lucy Bedford and Ellie Swift through Mammoth Screen, with international distribution on Hulu and airing on ITV. 

The series has three seasons, aired between 2017 and 2019, totaling 32 episodes that brutally and in detail explore the world of 18th-century London brothels.

The fiction follows the story of Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton), a business-minded woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to thrive and protect her daughters.

Determined to improve her position, she moves her brothel to Soho, offering the services of her prostitutes to a wealthier clientele. Her daughter Lucy (Eloise Smyth) and her eldest daughter Charlotte (Jessica Brown Findlay) become immersed in this world where survival and ambition define the lives of the protagonists.

Margaret's arrival in a new neighborhood leads to a confrontation with Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), a former colleague willing to use all her influence to sabotage Wells' business, resulting in power struggles, manipulation, and loyalties in Georgian high society.

'Harlots’ was notable for its critical acclaim and recognition for its writing, art direction, and feminist approach. It portrayed the struggle of women for control over their lives and sexuality. However, despite the positive media attention, it did not achieve great commercial success, likely overshadowed by other contemporary productions like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.

The main cast also includes Samantha Morton, Eloise Smyth, Jessica Brown Findlay, and Lesley Manville, along with Mattia Sbragia, Dorothy Atkinson, George Blagden, and Liv Tyler.