The Decameron, a Soapy Plague Drama, Is Coming to Netflix

Netflix announced on Thursday a new period soap drama titled The Decameron, based on the short story collection by 14th century Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio.

The Decameron takes place in 1348, as the Black Death plagues Florence. A handful of nobles retreat with their servants to a grand villa in the Italian countryside, waiting out the plague with a "lavish holiday," according to Netflix. However, "what starts as a wine-soaked sex romp in the hills of Tuscany descends into an all out scramble for survival."

The eight-episode series, created by Kathleen Jordan (Teenage Bounty Hunters, American Princess), will explore the themes of class, power, and survival during a pandemic.

"Kathleen Jordan is the real freakin' deal," said executive producer Jenji Kohan, best known for Glow and Orange is the New Black, in a statement. "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."

"I can't wait for people to meet this ridiculous group of characters," said Jordan. "I'm sure Giovanni Boccaccio would be... confused?"

Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.