archytele The Vault

Black Sails 2014

“Take what's yours.”

Status
Ended
First Aired
January 25, 2014
Last Aired
April 2, 2017
Format
4 seasons · 38 eps
Total Runtime
~38 hours (60 min/ep)
Highest Rated Episode
S2E10 "XVIII." (★ 9.3/10)
Created By
Robert Levine, Jonathan E. Steinberg
Network
STARZ
Where to Stream
Philo, Starz Apple TV Channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 7.6/10 from 1,482 votes TV-MA DramaAction & Adventure 4 seasons · 38 eps Ended
Community & Your Rating
★ 7.6/10
Where to watch: The Roku ChannelPlexAmazon Prime VideoITVXPhiloStarz Apple TV ChannelStarz Roku Premium ChannelYouTube TVStarzSpectrum On DemandStarz Amazon ChannelAmazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFandango At HomeITVX PremiumLionsgate+ Amazon ChannelsSky Store
Get new episode dates in your calendar Sync automatically with Apple, Outlook, or Google Calendar.
📅 Apple / Outlook 📅 Google ⬇ .ics
Advertisement
Quick answer

What is Black Sails?

Black Sails is an American historical action-adventure television series set on New Providence Island. Created by Robert Levine and Jonathan E.

Type
TV series
Year
2014
Status
Ended
Episodes
38
Runtime
60 minutes
First aired
Jan 25, 2014
Last aired
Apr 2, 2017
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
STARZ
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 7.6/10 from 1,482 votes
Format
4 seasons · 38 episodes
Episode runtime
~60 minutes
Status
Ended
Network
STARZ
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

Stream

PhiloStarz Apple TV ChannelStarz Roku Premium ChannelYouTube TVStarzSpectrum On DemandStarz Amazon Channel

Free

Amazon Prime Video

With ads

The Roku ChannelPlex

Buy

Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFandango At Home
Check current availability in United States ↗

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 38 episodes and an average 60-minute runtime.

Trailer

Overview

Black Sails is an American historical action-adventure television series set on New Providence Island. Created by Robert Levine and Jonathan E. Steinberg, the show premiered in 2014 and ran until 2017. The narrative serves as a prequel to the 1883 novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, depicting events occurring twenty years prior to the book. The story follows the most feared pirate captain of his day, Captain Flint, and his crew as they hunt for treasure and fight for the survival of New Providence Island. This location is described as a notorious criminal haven, a debauched paradise populated by pirates, thieves, prostitutes, and fortune seekers. During the series, Flint encounters a fast-talking addition to his crew named John Silver. The production incorporates fictionalized versions of actual historical events and depictions of several real-life historical figures. The cast includes Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold, and Jessica Parker Kennedy. The series explores a world defined by both enlightened ideals and stunning brutality as the pirates face threats of extinction from all sides.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A gritty pirate prequel exploring survival and power on New Providence Island.”

Reasons to watch
  • Complex character development and morally ambiguous storytelling
  • Rich historical setting with strong production values
  • Sharp dialogue and intense action sequences
Keep in mind
  • Slow pacing may deter some viewers
  • Violence and moral ambiguity may not suit all tastes

You enjoy morally complex historical dramas with strong antiheroes.

Contains graphic violence, sexual content, and mature themes typical of pirate noir.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Black Sails — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Black Sails worth watching?

Cast

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress

Future titles & recaps blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any item to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by serialized narrative importance. Skip standalone side quests and streamline your binge.

32%
68%
Mytharc (12): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (26): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
Season 1 · 8 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 10 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 10 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 10 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Is Black Sails a direct adaptation of Treasure Island?

No, it is a prequel that reimagines characters and events leading up to the novel.

Who are the main characters?

The series focuses on Captain Flint and John Silver, alongside a diverse pirate ensemble.

Is the show historically accurate?

It blends real historical figures and events with fictional storytelling.

How many seasons does it have?

The series ran for multiple seasons between its premiere and conclusion.

Is it suitable for children?

No, it is intended for mature audiences due to violence and adult themes.

Advertisement

■ Ended / Final Season Complete Renewal tracker

Explore Black Sails

If you like Black Sails

See all similar titles →

What viewers say

No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Black Sails.