The Decameron Season 1: Release date, cast, plot, and everything we know so far

The Decameron Season 1, created and helmed by Kathleen Jordan, known for Teenage Bounty Hunters and American Princess, is a soapy dark comedy series set to premiere on Netflix on July 25, 2024. Loosely inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s iconic short story collection, the series explores class struggles during the bubonic plague pandemic in 1348 Florence.

Starring Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Tanya Reynolds, the show promises a mix of humor and historical drama that's both timely and engaging.

In the series, a diverse cast of characters grapples with survival and social dynamics while seeking refuge from the Black Death in a grand villa. The show’s thematic exploration of societal breakdown and human resilience in times of crisis offers a poignant reflection on contemporary issues.

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Exploring the release date and cast of The Decameron Season 1

The Decameron Season 1 is set to debut on Netflix on July 25, 2024. The series features an impressive ensemble cast, including:

• Zosia Mamet as Pampinea
• Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Misia
• Tanya Reynolds as Licisca
• Amar Chadha-Patel as Dioneo
• Leila Farzad as Stratilia
• Lou Gala as Neifile
• Karan Gill as Panfilo
• Tony Hale as Sirisco
• Douggie McMeekin as Tindaro
• Jessica Plummer as Filomena

Kathleen Jordan serves as the showrunner and executive producer, working alongside Jenji Kohan, Blake McCormick and Tara Herrmann for Tilted Productions. Tone Hale while speaking to Netflix about the show said:

"When something like a plague comes along, the ground goes even. 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.”

The official synopsis of the show reads:

"Set in 1348 during the Black Death, the deadliest pandemic in human history, explores the timely themes of class systems, power struggles, and survival in a time of pandemic."

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What is the plot of The Decameron Season 1?

Set in 1348 in Florence, during the time of the Black Death; The Decameron Season 1 follows a group of nobles and their servants who retreat to Villa Santa Grande to escape the plague. When they first arrive at the villa, it's full of lavish parties and ostentatious displays of wealth.

However, gradually, as social norms break down, a fight for survival ensues that eventually reveals the true nature of each character.

The series takes its cues from Giovanni Boccaccio’s masterpiece but with a contemporary twist and black humor. They take turns trading witty, bawdy stories to keep themselves entertained, but soon enough, their luxurious vacation descends into chaos.

The class divide deepens with economic disparities in times like this, revealing society’s failure.

"I feel like we were on Love Island back then,It was so much drama; there was a lot of sex involved and all sorts of mad stuff,” said Jessica Plummer to Netflix who plays noblewoman Filomena.

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Everything else we know so far on The Decameron Season 1

The Decameron Season 1 comprises of eight episodes, out of which four are directed by Michael Uppendahl. He's best known for directing Fargo and American Crime Story. Tilted Productions produced it under Kathleen Jordan, Jenji Kohan, Blake McCormick and Tara Herrmann.

Netflix has released an extended trailer for The Decameron giving some insight into how it would match dark comedy with historical drama. Set to New Order’s Blue Monday, the trailer teases at what seems to be impending mayhem along with comedy.

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Netflix will stream The Decameron season 1 beginning on July 25, 2024.