“Succession Meets Peaky Blinders”: Netflix Confirms Release of Steven Knight’s House of Guinness
Netflix has officially lifted the curtain on House of Guinness, the highly anticipated new drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Branded as “Succession meets Peaky Blinders,” the series promises scandal, political intrigue, and family power struggles set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic brewing dynasties.
With Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, and James Norton leading the cast, the show has already been hailed as one of the streaming giant’s boldest ventures yet. Netflix confirmed both the release date and early details of the series this week, igniting excitement across the globe.
A Dynasty Drenched in Secrets
House of Guinness explores the lives of the obscenely wealthy Guinness family, whose name is synonymous with Ireland’s most famous export. But this is no simple brand origin story. Instead, Knight delves into the darker, messier side of legacy and ambition—where fortunes fuel rivalries, and power corrupts from within.
The opening episodes introduce brothers Arthur and Edward Guinness, played by Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge. From the outset, their personalities—and their conflicts—could not be more different.
Arthur (Boyle) is flamboyant, charming, and theatrical, with a penchant for secrets and a volcanic temper. One pivotal scene, filmed inside the Guinness brewery itself, depicts his clandestine rendezvous with a male lover, highlighting both his vulnerability and the risks of living a double life. Boyle describes Arthur as a blend of flamboyant artistry and ruthless ambition. “There’s a bit of Oscar Wilde in his fur-lined coat and curled mustache,” he said. “But when he takes the podium, there’s a bit of Hitler and a bit of Donald Trump in his oratory.”
Edward (Partridge), meanwhile, is the dour workhorse of the family. Obsessed with business but devoid of friends, Edward lives in stark contrast to his brother’s flamboyance. “I had a lot of fun arguing with Anthony,” Partridge revealed. “Steven wrote long, dialogue-heavy scenes that feel almost like theatre. It’s two brothers tearing each other apart over money, morality, and control.”
James Norton Joins the Cast
The Guinness brothers are joined by a mysterious third figure played by James Norton, whose role is being kept tightly under wraps. Known for his chilling performances in Happy Valley and McMafia, Norton brings a brooding presence that promises to complicate the already volatile family dynamic.
Together, the trio form the dramatic heart of House of Guinness. Netflix insiders describe their on-screen chemistry as “explosive,” with alliances shifting and betrayals lurking around every corner.
Steven Knight’s Vision
Steven Knight, who transformed Peaky Blinders from a niche British drama into a global phenomenon, brings his signature touch to House of Guinness. That means gritty realism, morally complex characters, and dialogue that crackles with intensity.
Knight has been clear that the series is not just about wealth, but about the way money and power deform human relationships. “This is a story about legacy and corruption,” he explained. “The Guinness name carries glamour, but also darkness. It’s about what people will sacrifice—and destroy—in order to protect or expand an empire.”
The comparisons to Succession are intentional. Like HBO’s juggernaut, House of Guinness examines family dynasties consumed by their own ambition. But with Knight at the helm, the show promises a period setting and a harder political edge, reminiscent of Peaky Blinders.
A Brewery Becomes a Stage
The Guinness brewery itself plays a starring role in the production. Its looming industrial architecture and historical significance provide a backdrop rich with symbolism. It is both a source of staggering wealth and a place where scandal brews in the shadows.
Scenes filmed inside the brewery highlight the tension between tradition and decadence: copper kettles and oak barrels juxtaposed with illicit meetings, whispered conspiracies, and family showdowns. The brewery is not just a set piece—it is a character in its own right.
Why It Matters
For Netflix, House of Guinness represents another high-stakes bet on prestige drama. With The Crown nearing its conclusion and Peaky Blinders still a cultural force, Knight’s new series is poised to attract both loyal fans and new audiences hungry for historical drama with teeth.
The themes—ambition, betrayal, secrecy, and the corrupting power of money—are universal, ensuring resonance far beyond the story of one Irish dynasty. And with a cast that includes some of Britain’s brightest young actors alongside established stars, the show looks set to dominate conversation.
The Final Word
When House of Guinness debuts, viewers can expect more than just a history lesson. They will step into a world of volcanic tempers, clandestine romances, political speeches that echo dictators, and boardroom battles where fortunes—and lives—hang in the balance.
As Steven Knight has shown before, he has an unmatched ability to turn history into gripping human drama. With Netflix’s backing, House of Guinness could be his most intoxicating creation yet.
One thing is certain: when this family pours a pint, it comes with scandal, betrayal, and power struggles strong enough to intoxicate the world.