Harlots (2017) is a historical drama series set in 18th-century London, offering a vivid portrayal of the city’s thriving and highly competitive sex trade. The story centers on Margaret Wells, a shrewd and resilient brothel owner determined to secure a better future for her daughters while navigating a world dominated by money, class, and male authority.
As rival madams, corrupt officials, and moral reformers vie for power, Margaret’s ambitions place her in direct conflict with Lydia Quigley, an elegant yet ruthless competitor who represents the upper echelons of the profession. The series explores how women survive, negotiate, and assert control within a rigid social hierarchy that leaves them few legitimate options.
Bold, character-driven, and unapologetically feminist, Harlots reframes history through the perspectives of women often marginalized or silenced. With sharp dialogue and rich period detail, the series examines themes of agency, exploitation, and resilience in a society structured to deny women power.
