HBO Max combined humor and history with its new original series Our Flag Means Death, a pirate comedy starring Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby.
The series, created by David Jenkins (People of Earth) and executive produced by Waititi, Our Flag Means Death loosely follows the adventures of real-life Stede Bonnet, a former British Army major and sugar farmer of the 18th century, who through a mid-life crisis or mid-life revelation, opted to leave his life behind to launch a career as a pirate.
Here’s everything we know about Our Flag Means Death season 1.
How to watch Our Flag Means Death season 1
Our Flag Means Death is an HBO Max Original series in the US. For anyone wanting to watch the series, you’ll need to be sure to sign up for HBO Max, which offers both an ad-supported and ad-free version. With a subscription, subscribers gain access to all HBO content, in addition to the HBO Max Originals programming and the platform’s library of TV shows and movies.
There is no information at this time on when or where Our Flag Means Death is going to premiere for UK viewers.
Will there be a Our Flag Means Death season 2?
HBO Max has officially renewed Our Flag Means Death for season 2, though no timeframe was given for when fans can expect new episodes. The announcement, however, did come with this logline for the show:
"Season 1 was (very) loosely based on the true adventures of 18th century would-be pirate Stede Bonnet, played by Rhys Darby. After trading in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede became captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes changed after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard, played by [Taika] Waititi. To their surprise, the wildly different Stede and Blackbeard found more than friendship on the high seas… they found love. Now they have to survive it."
Our Flag Means Death plot
Our Flag Means Death is a unique new comedy loosely (very loosely) based on the true adventures of 18th-century would-be pirate, Stede Bonnet. After Bonnet trades in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede becomes captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard. Stede and crew then attempt to get their ship together and survive life on the high seas.
Here are the synopses for Our Flag Means Death's episodes:
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 1 — "Pilot"
Aristocrat-turned-pirate-captain Stede Bonnet is put to the test when his crew encounters a British naval vessel.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 2 — "A Damned Man"
Stede battles feelings of guilt while hunting for missing hostages. Lucius makes a surprising discovery.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 3 — "A Gentleman Pirate"
Stede (a.k.a. "The Gentleman Pirate") conducts business in the Republic of Pirates. Oluwande and Jim face their past.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 4 — "Discomfort in a Married State"
As the threat of attack looms, Blackbeard and Stede finally meet. Jim fields questions from an overly curious crew.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 5 — "The Best Revenge Is Dressing Well"
Blackbeard and Stede attend a fancy party. Oluwande and Frenchie embrace false identities. Izzy and Lucius go head-to-head.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 6 — "The Art of F**kery"
Stede and crew stage a spectacle. Blackbeard struggles to carry out his plan.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 7 — "This Is Happening"
A trip to St. Augustine reveals more about Jim's past. Stede leads Blackbeard on an adventure.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 8 — "We Gull Way Back"
The arrival of Blackbeard's old buddy leaves Stede feeling like the odd man out. As Oluwande mourns a loss, Jim seeks answers from Spanish Jackie.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 9 — "Act of Grace"
Captured and facing trial, Stede and Blackbeard face tough choices and an uncertain future.
Our Flag Means Death season 1 episode 10 — "Wherever You Go, There You Are"
While Steded attempts reenter his old life, Blackbeard tends to a wounded heart.
Our Flag Means Death cast
Anchoring the Our Flag Means Death cast is veteran actor Rhys Darby (Jumanji: The Next Level), who plays Stede Bonnett and Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), playing the legendary pirate Blackbeard. Darby and Waititi are real-life friends who have collaborated together multiple times, including starring together in 2014's What We Do in the Shadows and with Waititi directing Darby in shows and movies, including Flight of the Concords, The Hunt for the Wilderpeople and the upcoming Next Goal Wins.
Some other big names in Our Flag Means Death include Fred Armisen (Portlandia), Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live) and Nat Faxon (The Conners). The rest of the case includes Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, Guz Khan, David Fane, Rory Kinnear, Samba Schutte.
And on an interesting note, not only is Taika Waititi starring in and executive producing the series, but he’s also serving as director of the premiere episode.
Our Flag Means Death trailer
HBO Max has provided a first look at their new series, which shows the unique brand of pirates on Our Flag Means Death. This may be the most comical version of Blackbeard ever portrayed onscreen.
