The Netflix period drama has viewers calling it the perfect Bridgerton alternative, combining period drama with dark comedy
If you’ve reached the end of Bridgerton and find yourself searching for something to fill that period drama void, this series is the ideal place to begin – and you won’t even need to switch streaming platforms.
Netflix subscribers have been heaping praise on this dark comedy series set in 14th-century Italy. What many are unaware of, however, is that its entertaining storyline is drawn from a collection of 100 tales penned by an Italian writer, dating back to that very same period.
The Decameron is a mini-series inspired by the work of the same name, which unfolds during the devastating Black Death pandemic. Its narrative revolves around a wealthy family as they go to extraordinary lengths to survive the outbreak, all handled with an abundance of humour.
It carries a 15 rating, as The Decameron boldly incorporates sexual content, strong language, violence, and graphic details within its darkly comedic narrative. These elements are precisely what set it apart from the rest and earn it a wealth of five-star reviews.
One viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “A strange and amusing limited series. Characters that once seemed irredeemable are likeable, if not lovable by the final episode. Absurd and enjoyable, the series manages to stay light while investigating the dark underbelly of humanity.”, reports Wales Online.
Another shared their thoughts on the show in relation to the original text, writing: “While the show is loosely based on a 700 year old book, I found The Decameron fresh and engaging.
“The plot and characters felt like it was faithful to the 1300s without being stodgy. The characters are absolutely absurd, but that is part of their charm.”
Viewers are whisked away on a journey, beginning in 1348 in a fictionalised retelling of events, as the Black Death tightens its grip on Florence. In response, a group of nobles and their servants retreat to a countryside villa in Tuscany, riding out further outbreaks while indulging in their luxuries and lavish lifestyle.
It isn’t long before the disease reaches the tranquil hills and they are left with little option but to battle for their survival.
Bringing these characters to life are Tanya Reynolds from Sex Education, alongside Zosia Mamet, best known for her role in Girls. Also appearing on screen are Lou Gala, Leila Farzard, Jessica Plummer and Amar Chadha-Patel.
The cast have garnered considerable praise amongst critics, with one saying that they delivered “enjoyable performances”. Their review reads: “A period historical series that throws all the comedy and romance tropes out of the window is escalated by the enjoyable performances of a diverse cast untangled from any political narrative.
“This series is proof that even a story with unpredictable direction and story arcs makes for a hilariously entertaining one.”
Others simply ssaid that it was “well acted”, while one viewer said that the script and actors had them “laughing out loud” throughout. The period drama encompasses a great deal in its concise eight episodes and was regrettably never commissioned for a second series following its release in 2024, making it the perfect binge-watch.
The Decameron is streaming now on Netflix.
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