Our Flag Means Death is an American period romantic comedy television series created by David Jenkins. Set in 1717 during the Golden Age of Piracy, the series follows the misadventures of gentleman-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and his crew aboard the Revenge as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates and cross paths with famed pirate captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). The first season premiered in March 2022 on HBO Max and the second season premiered in October 2023 on the renamed Max streaming service. The series was canceled in January 2024 after two seasons. Despite a subdued launch, the series gradually gained word-of-mouth momentum and became a sleeper hit with a cult following. Its unexpected growth in popularity has been compared to the surprise success of Ted Lasso. Since its release, the series has been widely regarded as one of the best and most beloved examples of LGBTQ+ media. Our Flag Means Death garnered critical acclaim, including praise for its LGBTQ+ representation. Critics consider the series to be one of the best sitcoms of the 2020s. The series won an Art Directors Guild Award, a Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Award, an Australian Production Design Guild Award, a New Zealand Television Award, and was named one of the top ten TV series that represent the best in humanity by the Greater Good Science Center. The series also earned Peabody Award, Nebula Award, Hollywood Critics Association Award, Dorian TV Award, and GLAAD Media Award nominations.
Premise The series is loosely based on the life of Stede Bonnet, also known as the "Gentleman Pirate". Set in 1717, the first season depicts the early days of Bonnet's career as a pirate after abandoning his family and his comfortable life as a member of the landed gentry of Barbados. Bonnet is portrayed as having little or no aptitude for this role, with no experience beyond that of his privileged life. Aboard their ship, the Revenge, the newly minted Captain Bonnet and his dysfunctional crew struggle to survive against deadly threats both from naval warships and other bloodthirsty pirates. During their misadventures, the crew of the Revenge cross paths with notorious pirate captain Edward Teach and his crew, including First Mate Izzy Hands. Comedy and chaos ensue as Teach and Bonnet fall in love.
Cast and characters
Main Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet, a wealthy Barbadian landowner, who has grown tired of his sedentary life and unhappy marriage and abandoned his family to begin a life of piracy despite having no aptitude for it. After purchasing a ship and hiring a crew, he seeks to brand himself as the Gentleman Pirate. Rhys Darby's son Theo Darby portrays Stede Bonnet as a child. Ewen Bremner as Nathaniel Buttons, the grizzled first mate on the Revenge whom Stede often calls upon for advice and who is capable of talking with seagulls. Joel Fry as Frenchie, a crewmate on the Revenge who often sings of the crew's adventures. Samson Kayo as Oluwande Boodhari, a level-headed crewmate on the Revenge who is sympathetic to Stede and tries to steer him away from danger. Nathan Foad as Lucius Spriggs, a scribe on the Revenge tasked with keeping a record of its adventures who often helps Stede come to terms with his feelings. Vico Ortiz as Jim Jimenez, a skilled fighter who has a bounty on their head for killing one of Spanish Jackie's husbands. Matthew Maher as Black Pete, an irritable pirate aboard the Revenge who claims to have crewed with Blackbeard. Kristian Nairn as Wee John Feeney, a crewmate on the Revenge obsessed with fire. Rory Kinnear as Captain Nigel Badminton (season 1), a Royal Navy officer who bullied Stede when they were children. Kinnear also portrays Nigel's twin brother, Admiral Chauncey Badminton. Con O'Neill as Israel "Izzy" Hands, Blackbeard's ruthless first mate who has served under him for many years. Guz Khan as Ivan (season 1), a member of Blackbeard's crew who joins him on the Revenge. David Fane as Kevin / Fang, an emotional member of Blackbeard's crew who joins him on the Revenge. Taika Waititi as Edward "Ed" Teach / Blackbeard, the legendary and feared pirate captain who has become bored with his life and career, feeling that his reputation has made it too easy. Samba Schutte as Roach (season 2; recurring season 1), a cleaver-wielding cook and doctor on the Revenge.
Recurring Nat Faxon as The Swede, a Swedish crewmate on the Revenge, often clueless of what's going on. Claudia O'Doherty as Mary Bonnet (season 1), Stede's wife. Boris McGiver as Father Bonnet (season 1), Stede's emotionally abusive father. William Barber-Holler as Louis Bonnet (season 1), Stede and Mary's son. Eden Grace Redfield as Alma Bonnet (season 1), Stede and Mary's daughter. Michael Patrick Crane as Officer Wellington (season 1), a Royal Navy officer who is taken hostage by Stede's crew. Connor Barrett as Officer Hornberry (season 1), a Royal Navy officer who is taken hostage by Stede's crew. Leslie Jones as Spanish Jackie, a powerful and feared pirate bar owner in the Republic of Pirates who has had 19 husbands. Fred Armisen as Geraldo (season 1), a shifty barkeep in the Republic of Pirates and one of Jackie's husbands. Madeleine Sami as Archie (season 2), a new member of Blackbeard's crew who forms a close bond with Jim. Ruibo Qian as Zheng Yi Sao (season 2), the pirate queen of China and captain of an all-female ship, the Red Flag, who initially masquerades as Susan, a soup seller. Anapela Polataivao as Auntie (season 2), the first mate and navigator for Zheng Yi Sao's crew. Erroll Shand as Richard "Ricky" Banes (season 2), a prince of minor nobility who became inspired by Stede to embrace the pirate lifestyle, but later leads an anti-piracy campaign after his attempt at becoming a pirate leaves him without a nose.
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