Episode 89: David Jenkins, "Our Flag Means Death"

<p>Host <strong>Alison Herman</strong> talks to OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH showrunner <strong>David Jenkins</strong> about the creative freedoms that come with a virtual writer's room, why the true story of pirates Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard makes the most sense as a romance, the labor implications of ratings transparency in the streaming age, and much more.</p> <p><strong>David Jenkins</strong> is a television writer, showrunner, producer, and playwright. He’s known for creating the 2016 TBS sci-fi comedy series PEOPLE OF EARTH, and for his work as creator and showrunner of the acclaimed HBO Max pirate workplace rom-com series OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH.</p> <p>OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH is a (very) loose adaptation of the true adventures of 18th century would-be pirate Stede Bonnet. After trading in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede becomes captain of the pirate ship <em>Revenge</em>. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard. Stede and crew attempt to get their ship together and survive life on the high seas.</p> <p>The series, which was recently renewed for a second season, premiered on HBO Max in March 2022. The full first season is available to stream on HBO Max.</p> <p><em><strong>Alison Herman</strong> is a staff writer for The Ringer, where she writes about culture in general and television in specific. When not fighting a losing battle against Peak TV, she tweets at <a href= "https://twitter.com/aherman2006" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">@aherman2006</a>.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">---</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><em>Before it was a podcast, OnWriting was a print publication. Check out <a href= "https://www.wgaeast.org/onwriting/print-archives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OnWriting: The Print Archives</a>.</em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Read shownotes, transcripts, and other member i