Steven Knight, the creative genius behind the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, returns with House of Guinness, a period drama centered on the storied Guinness family in 19th-century Ireland. Released on Netflix on September 25, 2025, this eight-episode series explores legacy, power struggles, and family drama after the death of brewery magnate Sir Benjamin Guinness.
What Is House of Guinness About?
Set in 1868 Dublin and New York, House of Guinness follows the aftermath of Benjamin Guinness’s death and its effects on his four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—as they navigate the brewing empire’s future. The series portrays both the grandeur and turmoil surrounding the family’s legacy, intertwining historical events with personal conflicts.
A Glimpse into the Cast and Characters
The series features a strong cast led by Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge as Edward, Emily Fairn playing Anne, and Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin. The supporting roles include notable talent such as James Norton and Danielle Galligan, enriching the tapestry of characters involved with the Guinness dynasty.
Comparing House of Guinness to Peaky Blinders
Fans of Peaky Blinders will notice some familiar qualities—the sharp writing, edgy storytelling style, and atmospheric period setting remain trademarks of Knight’s work. However, House of Guinness adopts a slightly different tone, with a greater focus on Victorian-era opulence fused with family secrets and brewing industry drama.
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Peaky Blinders delivered gritty gangster intensity
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House of Guinness centers on aristocratic family power and societal pressures
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Both use modern soundtracks and rapid editing for contemporaneity
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House of Guinness offers sweeping historical visuals contrasted with intimate personal stories
While House of Guinness may not capture the violent theatricality of Peaky Blinders, it engages viewers with complex characters and a rich backdrop of Irish history.
Why Watch House of Guinness?
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Historical intrigue: Dive into the legacy of one of Ireland’s iconic families
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Strong performances: Cast delivers compelling portrayals of ambition, betrayal, and loyalty
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Visual spectacle: Stunning sets and costumes offer a vivid period atmosphere
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Family drama: Universal themes of inheritance, rivalry, and legacy resonate strongly
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Cultural insight: Explores Irish identity amid political unrest and economic change
Some Critiques
Though visually striking and well-acted, some viewers may find the pacing slow and the narrative stretched across eight episodes. The series tries to balance many characters and subplots, which sometimes dilutes the focus but also provides a panoramic view of the family’s complexities.
Conclusion
House of Guinness is a captivating period drama that expands Steven Knight’s storytelling from the streets of Birmingham to the brewing dynasty of Dublin. While it differs from Peaky Blinders in style and intensity, the series offers a compelling journey through power, family, and Irish history. Fans of historical dramas, intricate family sagas, and Knight’s writing will find much to appreciate in this lavish new Netflix series.
