Our Flag Means Death: Why It Deserves to Find a New Harbor

Hello, crew! It’s us again, back on deck with another important mission. If you’ve been sailing with us for a while, you’ll know that we love fighting the good fights. And the battle currently raging in the turbulent waters of the internet is one that’s very close to our hearts – the quest to find a new harbor for the recently canceled TV show, Our Flag Means Death.

As an LGBTQ+ publication, the cancellation of any queer show hits us right in the feels. We’ve preached it before, and we’ll preach it again – representation matters. Seeing a diverse tapestry of queer experiences on screen isn’t just entertainment; it’s a lifeline. It tells us that there is nothing wrong with who we are, that we matter, and that acceptance is not something we have to fight for, it’s our birthright.

Since Max cut the anchor and set Our Flag Means Death adrift, fans around the world have rallied together to chart a new course for the show’s third season. We spilled all the details of what they’ve been up to in our latest article about the show (check it out here) and, as we predicted back then, the winds of change are upon us, especially after Max openly declared its willingness to see the show find a new home.

The show’s creator and self-proclaimed ‘Proud Pirate Daddy,’ David Jenkins, also seemed to hint at the show’s potential salvation. In a heartfelt thank-you post on Instagram, he not only acknowledged the immense support from fans who rented a colossal billboard in Times Square to show support for the show, but he also seized that golden opportunity to deliberately tag three streaming services – Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. With that message of appreciation, Jenkins opened the sails, declaring that Our Flag Means Death is ready and eager to find a new harbor. 

That strategic move not only served to thank the dedicated fans who have fought hard to save the show, but it also sent a clear message: the show is casting its net wide, hoping to find a new home among these streaming giants. 

Since then, the #AdoptOurCrew campaign has been in full swing, with the fandom relentlessly tagging, calling, and emailing these streaming services. Will their efforts bear fruit? Only time will tell. But we wanted to do our part, and to help speed up the process, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why we think any streaming service worth its salt should sign the adoption papers for Our Flag Means Death, stat!

The Story: A Comedy with Depth and Heart

If there’s one thing that’s been clear since the very first episode of Our Flag Means Death aired, it’s that this show is more than just a damn good comedy; is living proof that it’s possible to make a fun show, and still tell a very complex and deeply emotional story. What seems like a mere silly pirate adventure gradually unveils as a complex journey of reinvention, self-discovery, family, friendship, loyalty, and love.

Our Flag Means Death tells the story of Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby), a wealthy landowner who, after a mid-life crisis, decides to leave his perfectly crafted family life behind and become a pirate. Similar to the real-life historical figure Stede is based on, our Stede ends up meeting and working alongside the infamous pirate Blackbeard (Taika Waititi), but what follows in the story isn’t what you’d expect from these two characters meeting. No, in one of the sweetest and most heartwarming turns of events we’ve ever seen on mainstream television, Stede and Blackbeard end up falling in love with each other!

Obviously, it’s not all fine clothing and romantic sword battles under the moonlight, there’s conflict too. And because every story needs a little drama, Season 1 ends with the couple separated. But in its second season, the show delves deeper into this unique love story and how these two idiots find their way back to each other. Season 2 really explores the complexities of a mature queer love story, a refreshing departure from the usual youth-centric narratives flooding TV shows today.

Plus, Our Flag Means Death isn’t just about Ed and Stede, the show explores a set of supporting characters who are an absolute delight. Unlike other TV shows with numerous supporting characters who add nothing to the story, the stories that all these characters bring to the table really add depth and heart to the show, turning what could be a weak point into one of its strongest suits. 

There’s so much story to tell! Jenkins envisioned this show as a three-part tale, and missing out on Season 3 would be a loss for us all… just saying.

Representation: Authentic and Celebratory

In the realm of television, authentic queer representation is a very rare gem, and Our Flag Means Death radiates brilliance in this aspect. The beauty of the show lies in its commitment to allowing all characters, regardless of their importance in the narrative, to authentically be themselves, steering clear of the often treacherous waters of stereotypical representations. What sets this show apart from others in its genre is its unbridled exploration of sexuality and gender identity – a journey marked by freedom, evolution, and nuanced storytelling that treats each character’s arc with the utmost respect.

We’ve echoed this sentiment in our reviews of  Seasons 1 and 2, and it’s a chorus worth repeating. Our Flag Means Death, a comedy at heart, never stoops to using the characters’ queerness as a punchline for cheap laughs. The show stands firm in breaking away from the unfortunate tradition of exploiting identity for humorous purposes. In a world where being queer is too often met with derisive laughter, the show takes a refreshing stance by not making a character’s identity the butt of the joke. It’s a welcome departure, a change of direction in comedy that’s long overdue.

In terms of representation, Our Flag Means Death stands tall as a beacon of positivity that must be safeguarded at all costs. All the colors of the rainbow are not just present but celebrated within its diverse cast. To let such a positive, fresh, and diverse representation fade into the depths would be a loss that would echo through the ages. The show’s commitment to authenticity is not just a win for the LGBTQ+ community but a win for television as a whole, as it shows that powerful narratives can exist without resorting to harmful stereotypes.

The Cast and Crew: A Passionate Community

A show fueled by passion always transcends the confines of the screen, and Our Flag Means Death stands as a testament to that truth. The cast and crew, ignited by a genuine passion for their craft, have turned this show into more than just a job; it’s become a community, a sanctuary for boundless creativity. This heartfelt connection they have with the story they’re telling is palpable in every frame of the show.

We’ve said it before, but from its inception, Our Flag Means Death has been a love letter to the intricate tapestry of the human experience. And this sentiment isn’t confined to the story alone but is evident in the heartfelt expressions of everyone involved in the making of the show. Their pride in being part of this creative journey resonates, creating a synergy that permeates every episode.

Maybe we’re reading too much into it, but it feels like for them the show isn’t just a production; they embody it, living and breathing its essence. Their genuine connection to it is the secret sauce that allows them to forge a deep bond with their audience. And isn’t that the whole point of television? To convey genuine emotions to the audience? These dedicated individuals achieve it with unparalleled fervor and authenticity. Please let them continue doing it.

The Fandom: A Loyal Fleet

In the fast-paced streaming era where audiences hop from one show to another, building loyal fan bases is no easy feat, but Our Flag Means Death has achieved just that, fostering a global fandom that’s loud, proud, and fiercely loyal. While many shows struggle to retain viewers in the transient streaming landscape, this show comes with a fleet of fans willing to go the extra nautical mile to keep their beloved ship afloat.

Seriously, one look at the #SaveOFMD hashtag on any social platform, and you’ll witness a worldwide following that’s not just a fanbase, but a force to be reckoned with. These folks are here for the long haul. Any streaming service adopting this show isn’t just gaining an excellent addition to its catalog, but also a fleet of dedicated fans ready to set sail together into whatever uncharted waters their beloved show may take them. 

So, to any streaming service reading our words, we extend our message in a bottle and ask that you take the time to see the treasure that Our Flag Means Death is – not just in its story, but in the passionate people surrounding it. We get it; for all of you this is nothing more than a business, but even from a business standpoint, this show is a gem worth keeping. In a sea of content, this GLAAD nominated ship stands out, ready to bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging to audiences around the world. 

Don’t let this treasure slip through your fingers – adopt Our Flag Means Death, and together, let’s continue this unforgettable journey.

Announcement for the crew: Join us this Sunday, February 4 for a rewatch of Our Flag Means Death Season 1 and help us find a new harbor for this show! All information regarding the event can be found on our socials and/or @AdoptOurCrew’s. See y’all there!

Fair winds, and may the streaming gods be in our favor!

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Seasons 1 and 2 of Our Flag Means Death are available to stream on Max. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!