The Buccaneers: “There’s no need to oppose Bridgerton”

Kristine Frøseth and Alisha Boe explain to us how the new historical series from Apple TV+ stands out from the Netflix model and tell us why big ball gowns no longer make them dream so much…

They are the stars of the new historical series which is a hit on Apple TV+ (and Canal+ in France). Kristine Frøseth And Alisha Boe play two American women conquering Victorian England, in The Buccaneersa feminist drama in costumes, modern and sparkling, in the vein of what The Bridgerton Chronicles on Netflix. The dresses, the filming, the romances and the comparison with the Bridgertonthey tell us everything.

Did you know what a Buccaneer was before starring in the series?
Kristine Frøseth : For me, it was a term used for pirates…
Alisha Boe : No, it wasn’t really in my vocabulary (laughs). When I saw this title go by, I mainly thought of the Tampa Bay football team (which is called the Buccaneers, Editor’s note), so no, honestly, I didn’t know this term. But we finally understood… I started reading Edith Wharton’s book before filming. But the series distances itself quite a bit from the original work, so I preferred to stop. I have to finish it.

We inevitably compare The Buccaneers with The Bridgerton Chronicles. Does this annoy you?
Alisha Boe : No, it’s not something that annoys us at all! There are plenty of other historical costume dramas such as The Buccaneers And Bridgerton. And that’s good. I don’t think there’s any need to contrast the two. We can all stand under the same umbrella!

What makes The Buccaneers something unique?
Kristine Frøseth : I think the girl dynamic is special in our series. There is a healthy friendship that shines through and is explored in a modern way. We explore feminist themes which are ultimately rarely shown in historical works.

The sets and costumes are magnificent. What memories do you have of this grandiose shoot?
Alisha Boe : This shoot was fantastic. We went to the Highlands to film, in settings with incredible colors. Afterwards, I didn’t really like wearing these huge dresses all day long. It was honestly a hassle. It took forever to do even the slightest thing, even just going to the bathroom. Honestly, it must be nice to go to the ball in these dresses, but working 10 hours a day in a corset, shoulder pads and three layers of skirts is very annoying. At the end of the day, you just want to tear it all off!

The debutante ball, these large sumptuous dresses, the splendor of etiquette… Are these things that still make young girls dream of today?
Kristine Frøseth : It’s not at all something that makes me dream, nor any girl I know! Maybe in other parts of the world that’s still the case, but I’m really glad I don’t have to take part in that!
Alisha Boe : No, girls don’t really dream of being princesses anymore these days. These are too rigid universes. The veneer around the royal families has been removed and we now see what is behind the golden facade. There is something of a golden prison all the same.

Is that why the series also uses a modern voice?
Kristine Frøseth : Yes, this allows Generation Z to identify more easily with these characters. We speak as we speak in life. In the vocabulary, the tone with which we express ourselves… It’s almost things that you could hear on Instagram or TikTok. Plus with this pop music in the background… I would have liked to have had a very strong British accent, but as I’m American, that would have made no sense (laughs)!

The Buccaneers, it is also a romantic saga. Kristine, personally, are you more “team Guy” or “team Theo” for Nan?
Kristine Frøseth : Honestly, neither! I think Nan should choose to be single! I don’t think she should choose one or the other. Because she’s at a point in her life where she reacts impulsively to things that happen to her. They are in rebellion. Nan should step aside. Take the time to breathe, ask yourself the right questions and ask yourself what you want for your life to come. Maybe in the end, Guy or Theo will be the one for her. But already, she needs to take stock in her head. She is still young. All these girls are still very young deep down…

The Buccaneers, season 1 in 8 episodes, available on Apple TV+ and also Canal + in France, since November 8, 2023.