You are cordially invited to a wine-soaked sex romp in the Italian countryside. 

From creator and showrunner Kathleen Jordan (Teenage Bounty Hunters, American Princess) — and loosely inspired by the iconic short story collection of the same name — soapy dark comedy The Decameron arrives on Netflix July 25. 

The series examines the all-too-timely theme of class struggles in the season of a pandemic, as a cast of misfits tries to outlast the bubonic plague pandemic in 1348 Florence. The Decameron stars Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Saoirse Monica-Jackson, Tanya Reynolds, and more.

“When something like a plague comes along, the ground goes even,” said Hale. “It doesn’t matter. So what am I investing in? What relationships am I investing in? How am I treating people? That’s the stuff that matters.”

Read on for everything we know so far about the eight-episode series.

What’s The Decameron about?

First published in Italy in the mid-14th century, Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron tells the story of a group of nobles and their servants sheltering in the grand Villa Santa outside Florence as the Black Death rages in 1348. To pass the time, they take turns telling each other stories that range from witty to debauched. The series has a similar premise, but with a twist right out of Lord of the Flies — as time goes on and social rules wear thin, the orgy of riches and liquor collapses into a struggle for survival. Wealthy citizens escaping a plague by engaging in a lavish and insular display of wealth? Doesn’t sound like this could be relevant at all! 

Jordan thought of Bocaccio’s The Decameron as “short little horny tales.” So she took the collection as a framework. But the germination of the project came from wanting to explore themes of class disparity. “And when at times of crisis, the chasm between the haves and the have-nots grows wider and wider,” said Jordan. “Obviously, that’s something we’ve seen in the last few years, in particular with COVID.”

But it’s not all dour plague at Villa Santa. Jessica Plummer, who plays noble Filomena, compared the antics and silliness of the comedy series to a reality show. “Think, like, Love Island, but back in the day,” she said. “A lot of drama, a lot of sex, a lot of, yeah, craziness.”

Where can I watch a teaser for The Decameron?

Up top! Set to New Order’s “Blue Monday,” it’s revelry galore for the guests of Villa Santa in the first teaser for The Decameron. But their depraved escape sours when partygoers begin to fall ill and social mores fall by the wayside …

Who’s in The Decameron cast?

• Amar Chadha-Patel (Willow, The Wheel of Time) plays Dioneo, a cocksure physician whose profession puts him in a frustrating limbo between the upper and lower classes. 
• Leila Farzad (I Hate Suzie, Better) plays Stratilia, who is intuitive, wise, and steady. She’s the stalwart backbone of Villa Santa and works hard to stay out of the fray and protect her secrets. 
• Lou Gala (Julia, Secrets d’Histoire) plays Neifile, who is God-fearing and highly libidinous. She’s a woman of paradoxes, whose time spent at the villa proves deeply transformative. 
• Karan Gill (I May Destroy You, Screw) takes on Panfilo, the charming and cunning son of a prominent political family in Florence. He becomes a formidable presence at the villa. 
• Tony Hale (Veep, Being the Ricardos) is Sirisco, the affable, ill-prepared, and eager-to-please steward of Villa Santa. 
• Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls) plays Misia, the codependent servant of Pampinea. She adores her demanding master and derives much self-worth from pleasing her. 
• Zosia Mamet (The Flight Attendant, Girls) is Pampinea, the soon-to-be lady of the villa. She’s full of hope and absolutely lacking in self-awareness. 
• Douggie McMeekin (Harlots, Chernobyl) takes on the role of Tindaro, a rich noble from a prominent family. His perfect pedigree as an eligible bachelor is undermined by his insufferable attitude and blunt disdain for women. 
• Jessica Plummer (The Girl Before) plays Filomena, a spoiled oddball with a chip on her shoulder. She’s the last surviving child of her noble family. 
• Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education, Emma) plays Licisca, an obedient yet unpredictable servant with a heart of bronze. Her life has been defined by her hard work, thick skin, and devotion to the family she serves — until now.

Can I see some photos from The Decameron?

Yup! Grab your goblet and toast to these first-look photos of The Decameron above.

Who’s the creative team behind The Decameron?

The Decameron is produced through Jenji Kohan’s (GLOW, Orange Is the New Black) company, Tilted Productions. “Kathleen Jordan is the real freakin’ deal,” says executive producer Kohan. “I am so excited and grateful that I get to work with her and we get to make this awesome, funny, timely, weird show together for Netflix.”

Blake McCormick (Teenage Bounty Hunters) and Tara Herrmann (Orange Is the New Black) serve as executive producers alongside Kohan and Jordan, while Ratched and American Crime Story director Uppendahl directs. “I’m absolutely thrilled that I get to work with Jenji, Tara, Blake, and Netflix again,” Jordan says. “I can’t wait for people to meet this ridiculous group of characters. I’m sure Giovanni Boccaccio would be ... confused?”

When is The Decameron’s release date?

The Decameron’s raucous party begins July 25. Keep coming back to Tudum to learn more.

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