Top 5 shows like "Our Flag Means Death" to watch now that it has been canceled

Top 5 shows like "Our Flag Means Death" to watch now that it has been canceled

The period drama "Our Flag Means Death," which ran for two seasons on Max and developed a cult following, was spun off the air last month by the streaming service, putting a spoon-neck in the hearts of fans worldwide.

But don't worry, swashbuckling enthusiasts. If you loved the adventures of Blackbeard (Taika Waititi), Stede Bonnet, and their hearty minions, there are other shows like "Our Flag Means Death" with a similar vibe that you can watch to soften the blow of its premature end of broadcast.

A large part of the appeal of "Our Flag Means Death" is related to Taika Waititi's trademark sense of humor, and the New Zealand director/actor's fingerprints are also on FX's "What We Do in the Shadows." Based on Waititi's indie horror/comedy film about vampires living in the same room in Wellington, the TV version of "What We Do in the Shadows" will now feature another band of undead carving out an extraordinary life on Staten Island, New York. The vampires from Waititi's film do not carry over to the show, but he is heavily involved as a producer, and the episodic nature of the show is more in keeping with its character-driven style of humor than the film.

Watch on Hulu

If you enjoyed watching the pirates' adventures on the high seas in "Our Flag Means Death," you'll probably enjoy "Black Sails," albeit with more of a drama than comedy bent. A sort of prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel "Treasure Island," it takes place in the Caribbean during what is known as the Golden Age of Piracy. It follows the exploits of Captain Flint and his crew, including young "Long" John Silver (Luke Arnold). Blackbeard also makes an appearance, but is quite different from the Blackbeard depicted in "Our Flag Means Death."

Watch on Starz

"The Great" may have nothing to do with piracy, but for its unique comedy in its period setting and its clever use of outlandish twists on real historical figures, it is as good as "Our Flag Means Death." The setting is Russia in the 1700s. Set in 1700s Russia, the film stars Elle Fanning as the idealistic young Catherine, eager to marry Peter III (Nicholas Hoult) and bring real change to her country. There is just one problem. Peter III is a cartoonish beast, and the Russian people show no interest in her Enlightenment-era reforms. Clever and darkly comedic, "The Great" plays with history in a dizzying way that will be familiar to fans of "My Flag Means Death."

Watch on Hulu

"Our Flag Means Death" struck a chord with viewers who appreciated its ability to bring thoughtful LGBTQ coupling to a period setting." Gentleman Jack" was also known when it aired on BBC One and HBO from 2019 to 2022. Starring Saran Jones, Anne Lister is considered by many to be the first "modern lesbian" (not a woman in history, just a woman who had many "close friends" and "roommates"). During the show's run, Anne makes headlines for her unconventional romantic relationship with Anne Walker (Sophie Randall) while trying to save her family's failing estate. Charming, witty, and often emotionally powerful, "Gentleman Jack" made a name for itself even though it only aired for two seasons.

Watch on Max

"Gallivant," which aired for two seasons on ABC beginning in 2015, is another attempt to bring lightness and brilliance to a period television show that would normally be self-indulgent. Joshua Sasse is the titular knight who sets out on a journey to retrieve his lover, who has been taken away by the king (Timothy Omundson). There is comedy, too. Of course. There are numbers that showcase the cast's impressive musical talents. Of course. What's not to like. Galavant felt like a breath of fresh air in a television landscape dominated by similar period dramas, and although it only lasted two seasons (unfortunately, like "My Flag Means Death"), it was a lot of fun to watch.

Watch on Hulu

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