Netflix’s ‘House of Guinness,’ from ‘Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, promises another compelling period drama filled with intrigue and violence, prompting fans to wonder if this new Irish dynasty saga exists in the same world as Tommy Shelby’s Birmingham.
Steven Knight, the acclaimed creator behind the gritty, fan-favorite series Peaky Blinders, is once again captivating audiences with his latest historical drama, House of Guinness. Premiering on Netflix on September 25th, this eight-episode series delves into the tumultuous 19th-century world of Ireland’s most famous brewing dynasty. Knight’s signature style, which infuses historical narratives with a punk-rock sensibility, immediately draws parallels to his previous hits, sparking intense discussion among fans about the possibility of a larger “Steven Knight Universe.”
Unraveling the Guinness Dynasty: The Core Story of House of Guinness
House of Guinness opens in 1868, immediately following the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the patriarch responsible for the brewery’s immense success. The drama then meticulously chronicles the far-reaching impact of his will on his four adult children: the ambitious eldest son Arthur (Anthony Boyle), the scheming Edward (Louis Partridge), the determined Anne (Emily Fairn), and the troubled youngest son Ben (Fionn O’Shea). The series is set against the vibrant backdrops of 19th-century Dublin and New York, intertwining the family’s struggles with those of the Dublin characters connected to the brewery.
While heavily fictionalized for dramatic tension and entertainment, the series is deeply rooted in historical events and Irish records, highlighting the family’s influence beyond brewing. A notable behind-the-scenes detail reveals that Ivana Lowell, a direct descendant of the Guinness family, collaborated with Steven Knight on the writing, aiming to blend “authenticity and compelling narrative structure,” as reported by Liverpool Echo. This commitment to historical grounding, albeit with creative liberties, is a hallmark of Knight’s work.
The ensemble cast further enriches the narrative, featuring notable talents like James Norton as Sean Rafferty, the Guinness family’s enforcer, and Niamh McCormack as Ellen Cochrane, a significant figure in the Irish Brotherhood. The series explores themes of wealth, poverty, power, and influence, setting the stage for a saga filled with violence, sex, and intricate palace intrigue, earning a “good” rating of 7 from Joblo.com for its initial episodes.
The Peaky Blinders Comparison: A Shared DNA?
Fans of Peaky Blinders will immediately recognize Steven Knight’s unique narrative fingerprint in House of Guinness. Critics and viewers alike have drawn strong comparisons, often describing the new series as “Peaky Blinders meets Succession” or even having elements reminiscent of The Crown and Downton Abbey, albeit with Knight’s distinct edge. The show leverages an anachronistic soundtrack, modern editing techniques, and unflinching depictions of violence and profanity, all elements that defined the Shelby family’s rise.
As Anne Mensah, Vice-President Content for Netflix UK, described it, House of Guinness “has all the power of Peaky Blinders but the scale and the sweep of a true family saga,” a sentiment echoed by Karen Wilson, Executive Producer for Kudos, who teased its “mystery and intrigue,” according to Digital Spy. This stylistic kinship is intentional, with Knight applying his proven formula of taking chapters from history and giving them a “punk rock sensibility.” The series also thoughtfully incorporates contemporary themes around gender dynamics and sexual orientation without heavy-handed commentary, further deepening its appeal.
Is There a Steven Knight Cinematic Universe?
The striking similarities and shared creator naturally lead fans to question if House of Guinness might exist within the same narrative universe as Peaky Blinders. However, Steven Knight himself addressed this idea, stating to Town & Country, “I dunno. I don’t like the idea of universe, but it’s a laugh, what it’s got going for, it’s funny.” While he appreciates the humor of the concept, a direct crossover between the Shelby family and the Guinness clan seems unlikely at this stage.
Interestingly, Knight has confirmed that his Victorian-era boxing drama, A Thousand Blows, *does* exist in the same universe as Peaky Blinders, noting that “the difference between 1888 and 1919 wasn’t that huge, really, in terms of the technology available and all of those things. The society was the same.” This opens the door for potential crossovers with elements like the Forty Elephants gang in future Peaky Blinders iterations. For House of Guinness, however, the connection appears to be more thematic and stylistic, showcasing Knight’s unique lens on British and Irish history, rather than a literal shared timeline.
Even Anthony Boyle, who plays Arthur Guinness, mused about the idea, suggesting a humorous “end credit scene: Tommy Shelby and Arthur Guinness drinking together.” Yet, he humorously added, “I’m just not sure he would get on with anyone else in [Steven Knight’s] other shows because he’s a bit of a dick.” This playful acknowledgement highlights the strong individual identities of Knight’s characters, even as they inhabit worlds shaped by his distinct vision.
Beyond House of Guinness: The Future of Knight’s Work
While House of Guinness establishes itself as a standalone epic, the future is bright for Steven Knight’s other beloved creations. He has confirmed that the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders movie, titled The Immortal Man, is “done” and expected to release next year. Set in World War Two, the film will feature returning star Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, alongside new additions like Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth. Knight remains optimistic, stating, “I think it’s got the same buzz as Peaky. I’m very optimistic that it’s going to have the same international appeal that Peaky did.”
Furthermore, a Peaky Blinders sequel series, reportedly set in the 1950s, is also in the works, continuing the Shelby saga beyond the film. This constant expansion of Knight’s historical dramas, each with its unique flavor yet bearing his undeniable creative stamp, solidifies his reputation as a master storyteller.
Final Thoughts: Why House of Guinness Matters to Fans
For fans of Steven Knight’s work, House of Guinness is more than just another period drama; it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich historical tapestry woven with familiar narrative threads. While a direct connection to the Peaky Blinders universe may not be explicit, the show offers the same blend of compelling characters, intense drama, and a stylish take on history that has become Knight’s trademark. With a strong young cast and the potential for multiple seasons, House of Guinness is poised to become another essential entry in the growing legacy of one of television’s most distinctive voices.
