Is Netflix’s House of Guinness the new Peaky Blinders? Read our full review of Steven Knight’s new series, which details the family drama, the stellar cast including Anthony Boyle and James Norton, and the show’s blend of history and punk-rock swagger.
The return of creator Steven Knight to the small screen has been met with fervent anticipation, and his new Netflix drama, “House of Guinness“, premiering today, September 25, 2025, largely delivers.
Billed by many as “19th-century Dublin’s answer to Succession”, the eight-part series is a rich, volatile study of ambition, legacy, and toxic family dynamics, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic brands.
House of Guinness begins immediately following the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the patriarch responsible for the brewery’s storming success.
The fate of the empire is thrust upon his four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Benjamin Jr.—each of whom carries deep flaws and secrets.
A Blend of Dynasty Drama and Gritty Realism
What distinguishes House of Guinness from Knight’s previous works, like the acclaimed Peaky Blinders, is its dual focus. While it revels in the aristocratic drama of the impossibly wealthy Guinness siblings, it is equally dedicated to exploring the social and political turmoil of 1868 Dublin.
The show cleverly weaves the struggles of the working class, the Fenian movement’s fight for Irish independence, and the shadow of the Great Famine into the opulent world of the Guinnesses.
The show truly shines as a study of flawed characters. Anthony Boyle is captivating as the ambitious, snobbish Arthur, whose political aspirations and hidden personal life threaten to unravel the family.
Louis Partridge’s Edward is a perfect foil, battling his brother for control, while Emily Fairn’s overlooked sister Anne provides the drama with its most genuine moments of heart and social conscience.
The supporting cast is uniformly excellent, with James Norton stealing scenes as Rafferty, the family’s charming, yet brutal, foreman and “fixer”. His presence, which radiates a dangerous charisma, embodies the blend of swagger and violence that defined the era.
Signature Knight Style: Punk Rock Meets Period Piece
Fans of Steven Knight will immediately recognise his signature touch: a historical setting undercut by anachronistic flair. The show’s soundtrack is full of unexpected modern rock and punk tracks that lend a kinetic, rebellious energy to 19th-century Dublin.
This bold stylistic choice, paired with the show’s uncompromising depiction of violence and backroom corruption, gives House of Guinness a unique identity.
While the series has been praised for its strong performances and immersive world-building, some critics have pointed out minor flaws. The back half of the season reportedly struggles with pacing and features several abrupt time jumps that can be jarring.
Furthermore, with so many complex characters and simmering plotlines, some intriguing secondary stories, particularly those involving Anne and Benjamin Jr., are underserved by the end of the eight-episode run.
The Verdict: A Must-Watch Historical Saga
Despite its occasional structural bumps, House of Guinness is a compelling and thoroughly engrossing saga. It successfully blends the upstairs/downstairs tension of a show like Downton Abbey with the ruthless power struggles of Succession, all while maintaining a distinctly Irish punk-rock spirit.
It’s a series that goes down smooth—much like the famous stout it is named after—and leaves viewers eager for a second round.
