It is always nice to see a Disney+ show that is not part of one of the many massive Disney-owned franchises. All hail actual original programming! But all the same, Renegade Nell is a bit mystifying. Who is this show for? It’s a little goofy, and a little punchy, but seems to be trying to awkwardly straddle the line between children’s programming and television for grownups—a space that can sometimes be magical (just ask Doctor Who) and sometimes just be weird.
At any rate, the series has promising folks behind the camera: It comes from writer and director Sally Wainwright (Gentleman Jack) and has Sex Education director Ben Taylor as its lead director. Here’s the synopsis:
Nell Jackson, a quick-witted and courageous young woman, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined.
Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) stars as Nell; Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed is Billy Blind (a household spirit who has appeared in old ballads). The rest of the cast includes Frank Dillane (Fear the Walking Dead), Joely Richardson (The Sandman), Pip Torrens (The Nevers), Alice Kremelberg (Quantum Leap), Ényì Okoronkwo (The Lazarus Project), Craig Parkinson (Doctor Who), and Adrian Lester (London Spy).
Renegate Nell begins streaming March 29th on Disney+.
