The First Look at Disney+ Series 'Renegade Nell' Is Colorful and Fun

Despite the fact that Disney+ is officially now the new global home for the iconic British sci-fi series Doctor Who outside of the U.K., the streamer still isn't what you'd call a destination location for Anglophile-friendly fare. (Unless you happen to be an Anglophile who is also a Marvel fan, as that franchise boasts a solid dozen talented British performers in its stable at any given moment.) To be fair, Disney usually has a hand in bringing a significant amount of British content to the U.S., it's just that it all tends to get shifted off to Hulu, where shows like Extraordinary, The Full Monty, and The Artful Dodger have found homes.

But the imminent arrival of the new period adventure series Renegade Nell may indicate that's finally about to change. (Or at least become a bit more balanced until Disney+ inevitably decides to merge all its streaming content into a single app, and Hulu series all live together under the same digital roof as their Disney+ siblings.)

The series, originally called The Ballad of Renegade Nell before it shortened its name, hails from BAFTA winner Sally Wainwright, the mind behind such popular, critically acclaimed dramas as Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack. A period piece, it follows the story of the titular Nell, a quick-witted and courageous young woman who finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious highwayman (or highwaywoman, in this instance) in 18th century England. But when she meets a magical spirit called Billy Blind,  Nell realizes her destiny may be bigger than she ever could have imagined.