'One of the most underrated' period dramas 'better than Game of Thrones'

An 'underrated' show is being hailed as 'one of the best and most underrated' period dramas as well as better than Game of Thrones.

Fans are being encouraged to delve into all seasons of this series Black Sails, which is often lauded for its unique approach to historical fiction by incorporating iconic literary figures.

The show was crafted by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine, who later went on to create The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges.

Black Sails serves as a prequel to the classic novel Treasure Island, penned by Robert Louis Stevenson.

However, it also features portrayals of several real-life historical figures and fictionalised versions of actual historical events.

According to the synopsis, the main narrative follows the feared pirate Captain Flint, a character originally conceived by Stevenson, as he battles for the survival of New Providence Island following the declaration of West Indies pirates as enemies of mankind. The first season also delves into the hunt for the Spanish treasure galleon Urca de Lima, reports Surrey Live.

Fortunately, fans can easily catch up on the entire series, whether they wish to binge-watch all episodes again or discover it for the first time. The show ran for four seasons, all of which are available via MGM+.

Viewers can subscribe to the service as an add-on via the Amazon Prime Video app. New users can even take advantage of a seven-day free trial before signing up at £5.99 a month.

Black Sails is riding high with an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score, and the buzz hasn't died down among its dedicated fanbase. Avid followers on Reddit rank it as "one of the best and most underrated" in the costume drama genre, responding to a request for hidden gems.

Fans are still buzzing about Black Sails. One viewer didn't hold back their admiration online: "Best show I have ever seen. This is the first show that I kept saying I'm going to wish I could watch this for the first time again when it's over. It's gritty and emotional. Very mature show. No show has made me think as much and question characters decisions like Black Sails."

They elaborated further: "There is a lot of action, twists and turns, life lessons and even a reasonably good dash of horror. It's chock full of amazingly choreographed fights, thought provoking dialogue and jaw dropping moments. The fact that it's 4 seasons seems to be just the perfect length. Not too short and not too long."

Adding their voice, another described it as: "It's a blend of Pirates of the Caribbean, Vikings and Game Of Thrones at it's peak, without the fantasy elements. It's not a show that'd instantly grab everyone's attention but I'm surprised it didn't get any more traction, with each season being progressively better than the previous."

Another viewer heaped praise on the programme, saying: "One of the best and most underrated shows I've ever watched. Most shows degrade as the seasons progress but this has to be one of those which get better as the seasons progress with the first already being absolutely amazing. The acting of the entire cast is phenomenal and no matter what you're going to find yourself rooting for Captain Flint."

For one fan, the swashbuckling adventure brought to mind the smash hit fantasy epic Game of Thrones. "It is like Game of Thrones but with pirates and I liked it."

they noted, with another viewer agreeing: "Everything about the show just keeps getting better as it goes along. This is Game of Thrones with pirates. In many ways I enjoyed this more than Game of Thrones."

One fan praised the show's vibrant visuals, saying: "There's more colour here...the bright vivid scenery really takes you into the environment. The characters just keep growing on you. The show ends perfectly, and four seasons is just the right amount, though I found myself regretting it was over. Unlike Game of Thrones, I didn't know what was going to happen."

Black Sails is streaming on MGM+.