At long last, Season 2 ofThe Buccaneersis almost here on Apple TV+ to pick up with the titular young American women aftertheir explosion onto the scenein Gilded Age London back in 2023. Although things began in high spirits as the ambitious and extroverted friends navigated English high society and courted suitors, theSeason 1 finale left things on a bleak note, with each of the women forced to accept a reality they did not desire. Chief among them is Nan (Kristine Frøseth), who marries a man she doesn’t love to become the Duchess of Tintagel, the most influential woman in the country, to protect her sister, Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse), from the wrath of her abusive husband. Collider now has an exclusive sneak peek from the premiere showing how Nan is dealing with the fallout of giving up the rest of her life with a little support from Conchita (Alisha Boe).
The footage picks up not long after Nan said “I do” to Theo (Guy Remmers). Theplan to help Jinny flee worked perfectly, even if it meant Nan had to say goodbye to the man she truly loved, Guy Thwarte (Matthew Broome), and sacrifice herself to ensure their safety. However, as she walks back to the afterparty with Conchita,the reality of what she didand the life she now has to live with finally settles in. Seeing her hesitation, Conchita steps in to remind Nan that she’s a hero for helping Jinny and ensuring her that her situation could be so much worse. Although she’s worried about lying to Theo about her feelings,there’s no doubt that Theo loves her, and Conchita assures her she’ll have a safe life this way. It just means putting on a brave face and “making it work,” even if it’s not what she had in mind.
If Season 1 was just a “taste” of London,The BuccaneersSeason 2 promises to be a feast as each of the womengrapples with their new positions in the world. In addition to Nan’s status as the Duchess of Tintagel, Conchita is now Lady Brightlinsea, who is widely admired back in the U.S., and Jinny has become infamous in the news for fleeing with Lord James Seadown’s (Barney Fishwick) unborn child. Honoria (Mia Threapleton) and Mabel (Josie Totah) also continue to pursue their forbidden romance, despite all the hurdles it entails, as the latter faces the possibility of being sent back to America, while Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag)continues to come to terms with her traumaat the hands of James. In general, the five women will have to fight harder than ever to be heard after London has forced them to grow up and deal with romance, lust, jealousy, and death on a level they’ve never had to before.
‘The Buccaneers’ Returns With Fresh New Faces
AsThe Buccaneerscontinues to bring to lifeEdith Wharton’s unfinished novel, more characters are being introduced to fill out the adaptation. The most exciting addition has been that ofGossip GirlstarLeighton Meester, whose role has been kept shrouded in mystery. It’s possible shecould be Nan’s biological mother, whose presence was announced in the Season 1 finale. Other newcomers to the series includeGreg Wise,Jacob Ifan,Grace Ambrose, andMaria Almeida. Series creatorKatherine Jakewaysis back at the helm for Season 2, with BAFTA Award winnerWilliam McGregor, DGA Award winnerRachel Leiterman,John Hardwick,andCharlie Mantonmaking up the directorial team.
Following up on the success of Season 1, the new run of eight episodes looks to be another hit for Apple TV+.Rotten Tomatoescurrently has Season 2 sitting at an improved 83% score from critics, with Collider’sCarly Lanegiving it a 7/10. Inher review, she said that “both the series' greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses persist in Season 2, as its more winning elements sit in direct conflict with its bleakest storylines to date.”
The BuccaneersSeason 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, June 18, with new episodes following every week. Check out our exclusive sneak peek in the player above.
The Buccaneers
