As a huge cinema fan, I always feel like any new pirate movie or show has a tough act to follow – the original Pirates of the Caribbean films really set the bar. Black Sails managed to break through and become a fantastic historical action series, and honestly, I think another pirate show with a completely different vibe could’ve been just as big a hit. It’s frustrating when something promising doesn’t quite reach its potential, especially when the groundwork has already been laid for success.
If you have HBO Max, you absolutely shouldn’t miss Our Flag Means Death. This original series is a hilarious and heartwarming blend of action, history, and romance. It tells the story of Stede Bonnet, a real-life pirate who went from being a wealthy merchant to finding love with the legendary Blackbeard. Though one pirate historian calls it ‘completely made up,’ it’s still a fantastic show!
Our Flag Means Death Was Great, But HBO Max Cancelled After Season 2
The TV show Our Flag Means Death successfully combined different genres, and both seasons received very positive reviews – consistently scoring in the mid-90s on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and viewers. Although the main storyline and romantic relationship were made up, the show paid close attention to historical details, especially when depicting pirate battles, weapons, and the harsh realities of injuries at sea.
The show skillfully combined lighthearted humor with genuine emotional moments, and it’s been praised for its positive portrayal of LGBT+ characters. It presented complex and realistic individuals, avoiding tired tropes. Despite the critical success, it’s surprising that Our Flag Means Death was canceled after only two seasons, especially since shows like it are still uncommon.
Fans are still upset about the cancellation of Our Flag Means Death largely because HBO Max hasn’t given a clear reason for the decision. While shows often get canceled due to high costs, Our Flag Means Death had consistently good viewership, which should have earned it another season to finish the story.
Our Flag Means Death Should Have Been Much More Popular
Despite receiving fantastic reviews and high ratings, Our Flag Means Death didn’t initially find a large audience. This might be because shows featuring significant LGBTQ+ characters are often seen as appealing to a limited group, which unfortunately means many great shows get overlooked, and the talented people who create them don’t get the recognition they deserve.
The actors in Our Flag Means Death are fantastic, and the connection between Rhys Darby (as Bonnet) and Taika Waititi (as Blackbeard) is especially great. The show consistently features talented comedic performers, both as regulars and in guest appearances, which makes it incredibly funny. At its heart, the show is about the heartwarming idea of a ‘found family’ among the crew of the pirate ship Revenge.
The idea of a found family – a close-knit group formed from different backgrounds – is common in science fiction, like shows such as Firefly and Farscape, and fantasy, where it’s central to many Dungeons & Dragons stories. But applying this concept to a pirate show was a brilliant move, and Our Flag Means Death remains a fantastic watch.
Why Our Flag Means Death Is Still Worth Watching
As a total film and TV buff, I have to say Our Flag Means Death is still a seriously underrated show on HBO Max – you really need to check it out if you haven’t. It’s unlike anything else I’ve seen. While I was gutted when it was cancelled after season two, there’s a silver lining. Unlike so many heartbreaking TV cancellations, Our Flag Means Death actually gave us a proper ending, which is a huge relief.
| Our Flag Means Death Seasons and Rotten Tomatoes Ratings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Year | Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating |
| 1 | 2022 | 94% | 95% |
| 2 | 2023 | 96% | 95% |
Even though Our Flag Means Death doesn’t tie up every loose end, the season 2 finale feels more fulfilling than the endings of many complete TV series. Every episode is charming, surprising, and features excellent performances, and with only 18 episodes total, Our Flag Means Death is just the right length to enjoy over a long weekend.
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2026-03-23 06:02