Period drama Harlots won’t return for a fourth season

HARLOTS -- Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian London, Harlots continues to follow the fortunes of the Wells family. Set a year after the dramatic events of Season 2, Margaret (Samantha Morton) has been sent to America in chains and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville) is vanquished and in Bedlam. It seems that the Wells girls can finally free themselves of their motherÕs feud, helped by allies such as Lady Fitz (Liv Tyler). But Charlotte Wells (Jessica Brown-Findlay) soon learns that running a lucrative brothel brings enemies as well as friends, including new pimp in town Isaac Pincher (Alfie Allen). Meanwhile Lydia still finds a way to bite, even in her darkest hour. Lady Isabella Fitzwilliam (Liv Tyler), shown. (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu)
HARLOTS -- Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian London, Harlots continues to follow the fortunes of the Wells family. Set a year after the dramatic events of Season 2, Margaret (Samantha Morton) has been sent to America in chains and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville) is vanquished and in Bedlam. It seems that the Wells girls can finally free themselves of their motherÕs feud, helped by allies such as Lady Fitz (Liv Tyler). But Charlotte Wells (Jessica Brown-Findlay) soon learns that running a lucrative brothel brings enemies as well as friends, including new pimp in town Isaac Pincher (Alfie Allen). Meanwhile Lydia still finds a way to bite, even in her darkest hour. Lady Isabella Fitzwilliam (Liv Tyler), shown. (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu) /
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Hulu announced that Harlots, its eighteenth-century drama about feuding brothels and the women who run them, will not return for season 4.

Period drama Harlots aimed to tell the ageless story of the world’s oldest profession – through the eyes of the women that participated in it. But this wasn’t an exploitive depiction of sex for money – in fact, sex was possibly the least interesting aspect of the series. Instead, Harlots focused on a group of women struggling to claim some sliver of agency and autonomy in their lives, and how their careers as harlots helped them do so.

It was a rare series with a distinct and determined feminist perspective – and a favorite her at Culturess. Created and run by women, Harlots gave us a diverse series of characters and perspectives, and wasn’t afraid to tell stories most period dramas never bothered to touch.

Which is why it’s so unfortunate that the series has been officially canceled after three seasons.

Hulu announced earlier this week that the period drama would not return for season 4, and did not provide much (read: any) context behind its decision. This is particularly frustrating given the critical and audience acclaim the show has generally received, though given the fact that I was constantly having to explain to other TV enthusiasts what the show was and where you could watch it, perhaps its audience was simply never that large.

Thankfully, the third season did end on a note that felt complete and satisfying, even if there were still plenty of stories left in this world that I personally would have loved to have seen. The team-up of Lydia Quigley and Lucy Wells somehow felt both inevitable and shocking at the same time, and watching that particular relationship develop would have made for some incredible TV.

Alas, it is not to be. But what a force they’d have been, right?

Harlots is the rare period drama that worked to push the genre forward, who used its pretty costumes and old-timey setting to say something of relevance to modern audiences. And even as we grieve its loss, we should rejoice that we had it at all.

Next. 8 reasons why Hulu’s Harlots should be on your radar. dark

Harlots Seasons 1-3 are currently streaming on Hulu.