Harlots S1-3

In the first season of this acclaimed British period drama, we meet rival London brothel owners Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), who are competing for upper-class customers in Soho of the 18th Century.

Margaret has two beautiful daughters, Charlotte (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Lucy, and she has big plans for them, which involve a future that’s much brighter than that of the girls who work for her.

But little does she know that Lydia Quigley has plans up her sleeve, too…

In Season 2, we meet Lady Fitzwilliam, played by Liv Tyler. Though she’s an aristocrat rather than a courtesan, she’s united with the Wellses in her desire for revenge over Lydia Quigley – and it’s all to do with money.

But by the end of Season 2, both Margaret Wells and Lydia Quigley are out of the picture and no longer hold sway over Lucy or Charlotte Wells. In Season 3, can Charlotte cope as brothel owner in the cut-throat industry? And will they and Lady Fitz ever be free of Lydia Quigley’s influence?

According to IndieWire, “In its third season, Harlots maintains everything that has made it occasionally difficult to watch…but those aspects are what makes this series worthwhile since they also pay off with insight, spirit, and cheeky humour”, and Salon.com says, “Harlots skips with a rebellious sense of joy this season.”