New Drama 'The Buccaneers' on Apple TV+ Portrays America's Gilded Age Debutantes Seeking British Royalty Husbands

Adaptation of Edith Wharton's Unfinished Novel Brings Modern Sensibilities to 19th-Century High Society Drama, Challenging Period Drama Norms with Empowered Female Characters and Diversified Plotlines.

Apple TV+'s 'The Buccaneers' is a drama series about five wealthy American debutantes of the late 19th century who seek high-society British husbands. This forms a unique exploration of the Gilded Age, portraying a cultural clash between old money and newly wealthy individuals.
Adapted from Edith Wharton's unfinished novel, the show adds modern sensibilities to the 19th-century narrative, challenging period drama norms with empowered female characters and diverse plotlines.
The series also tackles social issues prevalent during the Gilded Age, such as the vast economic divide, the decline of middle class and prevalent inequality. Additionally, the show portrays the struggles faced by women in navigating societal expectations and overcoming patriarchal limitations of the era.
'The Buccaneers' features contemporary music including songs by Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers to highlight the series’ modern approach to a period drama, making it relatable to today’s audiences.
The debutantes strive to make their mark in the aristocracy by marrying into titled, but cash-strapped, British families. However, they encounter numerous societal hurdles including racism, patriarchal constraints and cultural clashes.