PBS’s ‘MaryLand’ Introduces ‘Masterpiece’ Fans to the Magical Isle of Man

MaryLand premiered on PBS’s Masterpiece last Sunday, whisking viewers off to the magical Isle of Man. The tender series follows estranged English sisters Rosaline (Eve Best) and Becca (Suranne Jones) as they must travel to the quaint island in the Irish sea to deal with the fallout of their mother’s sudden death. What neither sister can understand is why their mother, known as a rather staid pleaser, was on the Isle of Man in the first place. After all, she had told their father that she was simply camping in Wales. What Rosaline and Becca soon discover is that their mother had a secret life on the Isle of Man, full of friendship, romance, and secrets she never shared with her husband or daughters.

MaryLand is a mature, understated series that uses the raw talent of its outstanding actors and the exquisite plotting of its story to tell a fascinating tale of the secrets we all keep from the ones we’re closest to. Ultimately, as much as it’s a story about two daughters discovering their mother, it’s also about two sisters rediscovering each other.

Of course, you might be tuning in to MaryLand on Masterpiece on PBS simply to discover the mystical beauty of the Isle of Man. Throughout the show’s premiere — and tonight’s second episode — characters will opine on the charms of the unique island. We’ll learn how Stockard Channing‘s American character Cathy picked it because she couldn’t pick between Ireland and England (or, wait, she was being sarcastic, wasn’t she?). There will be more picturesque walks along the beaches and still more reminders that the Isle of Man is its own autonomous thing apart from the UK in a sort of way.

So where is MaryLand filmed? What’s the deal with the Isle of Man? Is the Isle of Man a part of the UK? Here’s what you need to know…

MaryLand Filming Locations: All About the Isle of Man

As you may have gleaned from watching MaryLand, the Isle of Man (or Mann) is an island located in the Irish Sea between Ireland and England (although Scotland is technically closest to it). The island is around 221 square miles in size. For context, the island of Manhattan is 22.1 square miles but the entire city sprawl of New York City is 304 square miles. People have lived on the Isle of Man since 6500 BCE and its residents are Manx. Manx Gaelic is the island’s native language.

If you were listening closely to Rosaline and Becca’s conversations in MaryLand Episode 1, you’ll remember that the reason they’re kind of stuck there for a spell is because they have to “repatriot” their mother. That’s because the Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. King Charles III holds the title “Lord of Mann,” but the island is essentially autonomous from the UK apart from the fact that the British government is responsible for the isle’s military defense. For reference, the Isle of Man was never even a part of the EU, therefore they never even had to Brexit!

The Isle of Man has a history steeped in mythology. Folklore states that Celtic warrior/deity Manannán used to protect the isle by drawing his cloak and hiding it in the mists. There are stories that say the Isle of Man’s name comes from Manannán and still others that insist he is named after the isle. The island’s mascot is the three legs of Man, a triskelion symbol of three legs attached at the hip. Oh, and per MaryLand, yes, there’s a tradition of believing in fairies.

A less enchanting part of the Isle of Man’s history? During both World Wars, the isle held people in internment camps…something that crops up in MaryLand‘s mystery.

Charmed by MaryLand‘s locations and fancy a trip to the Isle of Man in your future? You can fly there from various cities in Ireland or the UK. The only airport on the isle is Ronaldsway. Otherwise, you can get there from a seasonal ferry service from either the UK or Ireland or book a cruise that stops there.

MaryLand Episode 2 premieres tonight at 9 PM ET on Masterpiece on PBS. The third and final episode premieres on Sunday, May 19.