Harlots

Set in 18th century London, this drama delves into the gritty and competitive world of brothels, focusing on the lives of women striving for independence and power. The narrative centers around Margaret Wells, played by Samantha Morton, as she navigates the challenges of running her own establishment while facing fierce rivalry from the high-class madam Lydia Quigley, portrayed by Lesley Manville. The series is noted for its rich historical detail and strong performances, particularly from its leading actresses. Although it hasn’t received major awards, it has been praised for its bold storytelling and character development. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.