Historical Drama and Comedy

Step back into 1348, when a deadly plague sends a group of aristocrats and their household staff fleeing Florence for a secluded country villa.

Kathleen Jordan’s period dark comedy reimagines Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century tales, turning the grim backdrop of the Black Death into a stage for scandal, wit, and chaos.

What begins as an exclusive, wine-fueled retreat quickly unravels into a riotous mix of excess and desperation as social facades crumble under the pressure of survival.

The series balances soapy, decadent moments with sharp, often dark humor, following a small circle of invitees whose rivalries and secrets come to light while the city falls apart.

Costumes and period detail set the scene, but it’s the combustible dynamics between nobles and servants that drive the story toward absurdity and violence.

Now available to stream on Netflix, the show offers a playful yet unsettling take on pandemic panic, propelled by a lively ensemble cast.

Prepare for debauchery, dark laughs, and a portrait of human behavior tested to its limits in an age-old crisis.

Chadha-Patel arrived fresh from playing a hulking, sword‑wielding warrior on Willow and wanted a sharp tonal shift.

He tried out for several parts — Tindaro and Panfilo among them — before the role of Dioneo became the natural fit.

A chemistry read with Douggie McMeekin made it clear they were ideal foils, a moment that helped seal the casting.

Casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry says the physician was one of the hardest roles to cast.

Dioneo is a swaggering physician stuck between social ranks, using his job and his connection to Tindaro to slip into comforts usually reserved for nobles.

He fills many roles in Tindaro’s life — confidant, medic, brotherly companion and sometimes near‑motherly caregiver — all while carrying an outsized opinion of himself.

As a Genoese man, he relishes showing off, seizing chances to flirt and flaunt his body whenever Tindaro is occupied — behavior the actor found hilariously awkward to perform.

Chadha-Patel purposely wanted to play a comic, hypochondriac misogynist as a contrast to his recent macho roles.

Previous credits include Willow, The Wheel of Time and Flashback.

Now streaming on Netflix.

In a time of global uncertainty, a group of storytellers has turned to history for solace and perspective. The DecameronCast, a podcast inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century masterpiece, offers listeners an escape reminiscent of its source material's original purpose.

Just as Boccaccio's characters fled Florence during the Black Death to share tales in isolation, this modern adaptation features narrators who weave stories from separate locations during our own pandemic era. The parallel between the medieval plague and COVID-19 provides a haunting backdrop for this creative endeavor.

"We wanted to create something that acknowledges our shared human experience across centuries," explains one of the project's founders. "When people are confined and facing uncertainty, storytelling becomes not just entertainment but a lifeline."

The podcast's format honors the original text while introducing contemporary themes. Each episode presents a different narrator's perspective, ranging from reimagined classical tales to modern narratives exploring isolation, connection, and resilience.

What distinguishes DecameronCast is its deliberate pacing and thoughtful production. Unlike the frenetic consumption of most digital content, these stories invite listeners to slow down and reflect—a meditative practice particularly valuable during turbulent times.

Critics have praised the project for its cultural significance and artistic merit, noting how it bridges historical literature with present-day concerns while creating a sense of community among physically distanced participants.

In the shadowed corridors of Villa Santa,

Stratilia emerges as the silent sentinel,

her wisdom a shield against chaos.

She navigates the turmoil with intuitive grace,

steadfast in her role as household cook and servant,

always guarding her innermost secrets from the fray.

Jordan envisioned her as uniquely all-knowing,

unburdened by others' ambitions,

a perspective that sets her apart.

Haunted by a past heartbreak,

she clings to survival,

dodging emotional pitfalls with fierce resolve.

Farzad describes her transformation:

from quiet observer to an unforeseen force,

her intelligence sharpening as the villa unravels.

On set, amid Italian landscapes,

Zosia Mamet highlighted Farzad's linguistic edge,

the sole cast member fluent in the native tongue.

Beyond this role,

Farzad's artistry shines in I Hate Suzie,

Better, and Black Mirror,

a trail of compelling performances to follow.

Neifile embodies a striking inner conflict

between profound piety and awakening desire.

Her seemingly ideal marriage to Panfilo offers stability

yet lacks the spark of sensuality she begins to crave.

The villa becomes a crucible for her transformation

as these suppressed urges finally ignite within her.

Gala portrays her with a captivating innocence

that proves unexpectedly comedic and endearing.

Comparisons arise to Goldie Hawn's ethereal charm

particularly that blend of wide-eyed wonder

and brilliant physical comedy timing.

She possesses an unaware power in her naivete

making Neifile's journey both relatable and poignant.

Previously seen in Julia and Secrets d'Histoire

Gala brings unique depth to this complex role.

Panfilo is introduced as a smooth, politically connected Florentine heir who arrives at the villa determined to carve out a secure future for himself and his wife, Neifile.

He’s politically savvy and rehearses subtle maneuvers to position himself as the primary claimant to the property, always calculating his next step.

Their marriage is notably intimate in companionship but lacking in physical passion — Neifile craves more heat than Panfilo can or will give, a tension that hangs over their partnership.

Despite that gap, the two are bonded by deep friendship; Panfilo plays the steady support, there to catch Neifile whenever she falters.

When the actor portraying Panfilo talked with Jordan (Neifile’s actor), she made clear that Neifile never truly yearned for him in a romantic, longing way — their relationship sits more squarely in the realm of loyalty and mutual reliance.

Colleague Hendry initially viewed Panfilo as the pragmatic stabilizer among the group — the calm voice amid chaos — but also found the role unexpectedly demanding to perform.

For Hendry, the character only fully took form once Karan Gill landed on a specific interpretation; Gill’s choices helped crystallize Panfilo’s rhythms and vulnerabilities.

Karan Gill’s recent screen work includes appearances on shows such as I May Destroy You, Screw and Ladhood.

Character and Plot Overview

In the Shadows of Villa Santa: Sirisco's Journey

Tony Hale brings depth to Sirisco, the devoted steward of Villa Santa in the acclaimed series. Unlike the commanding presence of Carson from Downton Abbey, Sirisco navigates his role with an endearing combination of enthusiasm and uncertainty.

The character's backstory reveals a profound connection with Leonardo, Villa Santa's master, who discovered Sirisco in unlikely circumstances and offered him purpose. This relationship forms the emotional core of Sirisco's motivations, driving his desperate need for validation and recognition.

Hale acknowledges a pattern in his career portraying characters who struggle with codependency. "These roles find me," he explains, reflecting on his ability to capture the vulnerability of individuals whose desire for connection leaves them susceptible to manipulation.

Behind the scenes, Hale's influence extends beyond his character. Cast member Gill expresses admiration for working alongside someone whose previous work in Arrested Development significantly influenced him. "Meeting Tony was surreal—his generosity on set matches his talent on screen," Gill notes.

What resonates most with Hale about the production is its nuanced portrayal of humanity. He appreciates how the narrative explores the coexistence of light and darkness within individuals, especially during challenging circumstances. "Life isn't black and white," Hale observes. "The show captures how different aspects of ourselves emerge in response to our environment."

Viewers familiar with Hale's versatility from Veep, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and his voice work in Inside Out 2 will find his performance as Sirisco adds another compelling character to his impressive repertoire.

Jackson's portrayal spans from Derry Girls charm to superhero speed in The Flash

and romantic escapades in Upgraded

Find these diverse roles streaming now on Netflix

As Misia, she embodies dedicated servitude to the demanding Pampinea

Her character finds purpose in pleasing her mistress

Jackson describes this dynamic as lap-dog devotion

Emerging at the villa, Misia radiates profound vulnerability

She carries the weight of crippling self-doubt

Yet Jackson emphasizes this isn't weakness

Misia possesses fierce resilience and unbreakable loyalty

"She'd move mountains for Pampinea"

Her imagined history reveals roots in Irish service

Youngest in a vast family accustomed to harsh hierarchies

This shaped her tolerance for power imbalances

Whether from employers or siblings

Misia's journey hints at potential self-discovery

A path toward independence and self-worth

Off-camera, Jackson treasures collaborating with Zosia Mamet

Their partnership refined painful and comedic moments

"Working with Zosia elevated my craft profoundly"

Jackson reflects on the joyous creative process

"Building this dynamic with such a fantastic actress

remains an unforgettable gift"

In the shadows of a global pandemic, a group of creative minds found solace in a centuries-old literary work. The DecameronCast emerged as a unique podcast project, drawing inspiration from Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century masterpiece written during the Black Death.

This innovative audio series features talented performers who breathe new life into Boccaccio's collection of 100 tales. Much like the ten fictional storytellers who fled Florence to escape the plague, today's artists sought refuge from our modern contagion through storytelling.

The project began as a response to the isolation of COVID-19 lockdowns, when performers found themselves suddenly without stages or audiences. What started as a simple idea blossomed into a collaborative effort spanning continents, with participants recording from makeshift home studios.

Each episode transports listeners to a villa outside Florence, where nobility and commoners alike share ribald tales, tragic romances, and clever pranks. The DecameronCast preserves the original's bawdy humor and social commentary while making these medieval stories accessible to contemporary audiences.

Beyond entertainment, the podcast serves as a powerful reminder of art's resilience during times of crisis. Just as Boccaccio's work survived the Black Death to become a cornerstone of Western literature, today's storytellers demonstrate how creativity persists even in our darkest hours.

Previously featured in "The Flight Attendant", "Girls", and "Madame Web",

stream these performances on Netflix.

Portraying Pampinea reveals a character radiating hope yet utterly blind to her own flaws,

described as a chaotic blend of a disordered toddler and a grumpy elder.

Her descent into childlike delusion reflects profound marriage anxieties,

intensified by Leonardo's death – her final chance for joy amid plague-ravaged suitors.

Though vicious toward servant Misia in their abusive dynamic,

Pampinea's survival hinges entirely on this fraught relationship,

a fascinating contradiction cherished by the actress.

Costumed as Mamet's most flamboyant role since "Girls",

Pampinea defies fashion restraint, layering every accessible ornament –

even facial pearls and fabric scraps – awakening Mamet's inner preteen glee.

Pandemic Storytelling Tradition

In a time of global uncertainty, a group of podcasters has turned to history for both context and comfort. The DecameronCast, a literary podcast launched during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, draws inspiration from Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century masterpiece "The Decameron."

The original work features stories told by ten young nobles who fled Florence to escape the Black Death. Similarly, the podcast creators found themselves seeking refuge from our modern plague through storytelling and community building.

"We were all experiencing this profound isolation," explains co-host Elena Moretti. "Revisiting Boccaccio's framework felt eerily relevant. Ten storytellers sheltering from disease—it mirrored our own reality in unexpected ways."

The podcast alternates between literary analysis of the original text and contemporary stories submitted by listeners worldwide. This blend of medieval wisdom and modern experience has resonated with audiences seeking connection during disconnected times.

What began as a pandemic project has evolved into a lasting exploration of how humans cope with crisis through narrative. The hosts have expanded beyond Boccaccio to examine other works created during historical periods of confinement and catastrophe.

"Stories saved those characters in Florence," notes producer James Chen. "And in many ways, stories are saving us too."

McMeekin approaches the role of Tindaro with nuance

finding the core beneath the nobleman's grating persona

He portrays a man utterly devoid of social filters

whose wealth and status mask profound isolation

This privileged bachelor lacks basic relational skills

spewing unfiltered thoughts that repel potential partners

McMeekin suggests Tindaro operates without

the essential social machinery most possess

The actor discovered surprising depth

through the character's scholarly obsession

Tindaro's fervent expertise in Roman history

became McMeekin's own pilgrimage in Italy

visiting hallowed sites like Caesar's assassination spot

Balancing absurdity with humanity proved key

transforming a potential clown into someone recognizable

McMeekin's previous credits include

Harlots, Chernobyl, and The Crown

available across streaming platforms

Press play to start watching now

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Follow Douggie McMeekin for updates and new releases

Jess Plummer's character reveals unexpected vulnerability beneath her entitled facade

As Florence's last noble heir, she masks profound loneliness with bratty behavior

Her servant Licisca embodies the self-assurance Filomena desperately lacks

Plummer discovered layers of insecurity during filming - "She doesn't know who she is"

The actor's wig proved so convincing viewers couldn't distinguish it from real hair

Casting director Tanya Reynolds instantly recognized Plummer as the perfect fit

Their Zoom chemistry read transcended virtual barriers with palpable energy

Filomena rigidly enforces class boundaries while secretly envying Licisca's authenticity

This complex noblewoman flees plague-ridden cities with emotional armor intact

Netflix audiences witness her journey from spoiled survivor to nuanced protagonist

In the midst of global uncertainty, a group of friends has found solace in an unexpected literary classic. Every week, they gather virtually to discuss Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron," a 14th-century collection of stories told by fictional characters sheltering from the Black Death.

This modern reading circle, aptly named "DecameronCast," began as a way to connect during isolation. The parallels between Boccaccio's plague-escaping storytellers and our current reality proved too poignant to ignore.

"We never imagined how relevant a 700-year-old text could feel," says one participant. "These characters fled Florence to tell tales in quarantine—it's essentially the world's first pandemic podcast."

The group explores one story per session, discussing themes of love, fortune, and human resilience that transcend centuries. Their conversations often drift between medieval contexts and contemporary parallels.

What started as literary escapism has evolved into something more meaningful. Members report that the ritual provides structure during uncertain times and connects them to countless others throughout history who found comfort in stories during crises.

"There's something reassuring about knowing humans have faced similar challenges before," another member reflects. "And they still found reasons to laugh, love, and share stories."

From servitude to seizing life's fleeting moments, Tanya Reynolds embodies Licisca's radical shift.

Her audition? Utterly unforgettable. Spotting tiny blooms in a household bouquet, Reynolds immediately shoved two up her nostrils – a quirky plague-avoidance tactic seen in the show. "Gotta do what you gotta do," she laughs about the impulsive choice that secured her the role.

Casting director Hendry holds immense faith in Reynolds' talent, declaring, "If Tanya Reynolds doesn’t have the career that Olivia Colman has, I’d be hugely surprised. She can do anything."

Licisca herself is a study in contradiction. Born into lifelong service beneath Filomena’s harsh rule, she endures cruelty with stoic devotion. Yet the Black Death shatters this obedience. Reynolds explains Licisca’s plunge into nihilism: trapped at the villa, she declares, "Sod it! I’m gonna have a good time while I still can, because we’re all going to die."

Fate seemed to conspire for Reynolds. Half-Italian and dreaming of relocating to Rome for language immersion, the offer for The Decameron – filmed in Rome – arrived perfectly. "It couldn’t have been more perfect!" she exclaims.

Audiences recognize Reynolds from Sex Education, Emma, and Delicious, all streaming on Netflix.

New Series: The Decameron

Watch it now — add to your list and follow Tanya Reynolds for more.

The Decameron arrives from Tilted Productions, the company led by Jenji Kohan, creator of Orange Is the New Black and Weeds.

Kohan joins Blake McCormick (Social Distance) and Tara Herrmann (Orange Is the New Black, GLOW) as executive producers alongside creator–showrunner Jordan.

Dive into a wild reimagining of 14th-century festivities and storytelling.

The series is streaming now.

Preview Season One of The Decameron — watch the official trailer now.

A first look at the series' intertwined tales of love, survival and intrigue set against the Black Death.

Stream the trailer online to catch a glimpse of this bold new adaptation.

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