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 The Decameron trailer?

Up top! The pestilence of the Black Plague is everywhere in 1348 Firenze. But a few weeks in the Italian countryside can do wonders for one’s health. At least, that’s what the trailer for The Decameron offers its guests at Villa Santa. Watch the trailer above to see Firenze’s finest attempt to eat, drink, and move into a bright new future. Just don’t expect them to live by the laws of civility.

Who’s in The Decameron cast?

A cast of comedy all-stars — including Tony Hale (Veep, Being the Ricardos), Zosia Mamet (The Flight Attendant, Girls), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls), and many more — make up the motley set of aristocrats and misfits that descend upon the Villa Santa. To get a closer look at each reveler and their character posters, check out Tudum’s cast guide here. 

The Decameron Pronunciations 101

How do you pronounce the characters’ names in The Decameron?

On behalf of The Decameron cast, Hale would like to apologize to the Italian community for butchering the names in the video above. Learn how to pronounce each guest at Villa Santa’s name — along with the cast — now. It may feel “like a test,” as Amar Chadha-Patel says, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!

Watch The Decameron Season 1 Teaser

Where can I watch a teaser for The Decameron?

Right here! 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 …

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 Michael 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.