18th century Georgian London brought to life in drama Harlots for ITV Encore

ITV Encore

ITV has teamed up with stateside broadcaster Hulu to bring to screens drama series, Harlots. The eight-part series will air on ITV Encore in the UK and stream exclusively in the US on Hulu as part of the Hulu Originals.

“In 1760s London there were brothels on every corner run by women who were both enterprising and tenacious. History has largely ignored them, but their stories are in turn outrageous, brutal, humorous and real.” – Executive Producer Alison Owen

Actresses Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville and Jessica Brown Findlay are set to star in the series, which will be produced by Monumental Pictures.

Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian London, Harlots is a powerful family drama offering a brand new take on the city’s most valuable commercial activity – sex. Based on the stories of real women, the series follows Margaret Wells (Morton) and her daughters, as she struggles to reconcile her roles as mother and brothel owner. When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley (Manville), a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret will fight back, even if it means putting her family at risk. Brown Findlay will star as Charlotte, Margaret’s eldest daughter and the city’s most coveted courtesan who begins to grapple with her position in both society and her immediate family.

Written by playwright and screenwriter, Moira Buffini  the series will begin filming in London in June 2016 and will be directed by Coky Giedroyc and China Moo-Young. The deal was negotiated by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, who will distribute the drama internationally.

Harlots is an exploration of family, power and brutal economics in a vibrant booming world full of colour and noise.  We’re delighted to be commissioning the series for ITV Encore. Moira and Alison’s scripts are shocking, fascinating and compelling.” – ITV by Controller of Drama Victoria Fea

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