Just days after its release, Netflix’s latest historical drama House of Guinness has stormed to the top of the platform’s charts in both Ireland and the UK. The series comes from Steven Knight, the acclaimed creator of Peaky Blinders, and explores the legacy of one of the world’s most famous brewing dynasties.
A Powerful Start on Netflix
Premiering on 25 September 2025, House of Guinness immediately captured audiences with its gripping blend of family drama, historical intrigue, and power struggles. The show follows the Guinness family in the aftermath of patriarch Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death, as his children wrestle with grief, responsibility, and the future of the iconic brewery.
The first season spans 8 episodes and features a strong ensemble cast:
- Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness
- Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness
- Emily Fairn as Anne Guinness
- Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin Guinness
- James Norton as Sean Rafferty, the brewery’s foreman
- Ann Skelly as Adelaide, Edward’s wife
Critical Acclaim and Strong Reviews
House of Guinness has received widespread praise from critics, currently holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 36 reviews).
Highlights from early reviews include:
- NPR: “Intense confrontations and unexpected twists. Fans of Peaky Blinders, Succession, or The Gilded Age will be fully satisfied.”
- iNews.co.uk: “The Peaky Blinders comparison is inevitable, but House of Guinness stands tall as a compelling drama in its own right.”
- Paste Magazine: “The latter half of the season suffers from pacing issues and awkward time jumps, but its confident storytelling and atmosphere more than make up for it.”
- Digital Spy (5 stars): “A perfectly brewed production. A visual feast with more atmosphere than a freshly opened bottle of stout. For Steven Knight fans, this comes as no surprise.”
Will There Be a Season 2?
While Netflix has yet to officially confirm a second season, creator Steven Knight hinted at ambitious long-term plans:
“In a perfect world, I’d like to carry the series into the 20th century. Nothing has been decided yet, but looking at the Guinness family history, drama was a constant presence.”
Given its explosive debut, industry insiders believe a renewal is highly likely.
Why It Matters
With House of Guinness, Netflix not only adds another Steven Knight project to its roster but also taps into the enduring popularity of historical dramas centered on power, legacy, and family conflict. If the buzz continues, this could become the platform’s next flagship period piece.
