The Decameron is a famous collection of stories written by Giovanni Boccaccio in 14th century Italy about young men who settle in a secluded villa to escape plague-stricken Florence

Inspired by this tragic, erotic, and comedic collection, Kathryn Jordan dreamed up an eight-episode Netflix adaptation The series is a mixture of “Blackadder,” “Horrible Histories,” “Sex Education,” and “Love Island

I'll give this recommendation a bit of a heads up with the fact that Netflix programming is clearly tailored to my tastes Just a few weeks ago, I was busy calling out Prime Video's historical comedy “My Lady Jane” as a show that needs to be watched ASAP

I've been looking forward to this show since I first saw the trailer a few weeks ago, and thanks to the show's sharp, funny script and ensemble of talented comic actors, I'm just as happy to recommend “Decameron” as “My Lady Jane” On the surface, this outrageous and vulgarly entertaining piece of filmmaking has the makings of an entertaining film, but it really sucks you in as the balance of power in the mansion shifts and secrets continue to be revealed

“The Decameron” is a raucous tale set in the Italian countryside in 1348, where the aristocrats take a luxurious vacation to escape a plague epidemic

Emotions run high as they come to live together in this household, and the inhabitants begin to lust and pester each other Once everyone settles down, the series quickly turns into an exciting mix of social satire, black comedy, and raunchy drama

The Netflix synopsis reads: “We invite you to a wine-soaked sex romance set in the Italian countryside In 1348, the Black Death strikes Florence, and a handful of noblemen retreat with their servants to their palatial homes for a luxurious vacation to ward off the plague The Black Death was a disease of the nobility, and the nobles were forced to live in the streets But as the social rules fade, a scramble for survival ensues, enlivened by a cast of cunning and outrageous characters

Exactly If you're looking for something corny and brand new, “The Decameron” is perfect It's a high-octane, silly, and saucy comedy that I would gladly recommend And thankfully, I'm not the only one who thinks so

And thankfully, I'm not the only one Critically, the show seems to be doing well As of this writing, it does not yet have a rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but there are already many reviews online, and “The Decameron” has so far received reasonably good reviews from critics

inews gave it a perfect 5/5, calling it a “solid gold comedy banger,” and Collider writer Carly Lane called it “one of the best dark comedies of the year” and “looks like an obscene house party comedy, but there's a lot hidden beneath the surface has a lot hidden beneath the surface”

The Guardian

The Guardian gave the series a 3/5, claiming that it was “good enough to show its place in a sea of similar works,” and James Poniewozik of The New York Times wrote, “Even if the story is a bit shabby, ‘Decameron’ is a soapy, slapstick A distraction from the slapstick summer,” he wrote, adding that ”its humor is balanced, as a fourteenth-century doctor might say”

Not sure “The Decameron” is right for you, but still looking for something new? Check out our guide to the best Netflix shows you should be streaming right now