House of Guinness: Netflix Unveils an Epic Family Saga from the Creator of Peaky Blinders

Published: May 12, 2025
Source: Silver Screen Chronicle

Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, returns with House of Guinness, an eight-part historical drama set to premiere on Netflix in 2025. Inspired by the legendary Guinness dynasty, the series promises a gripping tale of power, ambition, and familial strife, set against the vibrant backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York. Featuring a stellar cast including James Norton, Anthony Boyle, and Louis Partridge, and imbued with Knight’s signature epic storytelling, House of Guinness is poised to be a landmark in historical drama.

Plot: Family Drama in a Brewing Empire

House of Guinness transports viewers to 1868, in the turbulent aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death. Having transformed the St. James’s Gate brewery into a global icon, Benjamin’s will sparks chaos among his four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Benjamin Jr.—who are drawn into a fierce battle for control of the Guinness legacy. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the glamorous avenues of New York, the series weaves a narrative of tested loyalties, betrayal, and hidden secrets.

Beyond the elite, the show incorporates the stories of Dublin’s working class, whose labor fueled the Guinness empire. Steven Knight, the series’ writer, describes it as a “rich tapestry” of “wealth, power, and tragedy,” evoking Succession with its high-stakes family drama. The historical rise of the brewery is vividly recreated, offering a tale that’s both authentic and brimming with dramatic flair, set in a transformative era.

Cast: A Constellation of Stars

House of Guinness boasts an exceptional ensemble, blending rising talents with seasoned performers:

• Anthony Boyle (Tetris) as Arthur Guinness, the eldest son driven by ambition to uphold the family name.
• Louis Partridge (Argylle) as Edward Guinness, a complex figure navigating the power struggle.
• Emily Fairn (The Responder) as Anne Plunket, the daughter asserting her strength in a patriarchal world.
• Fionn O’Shea (Dating Amber) as Benjamin Guinness Jr., the youngest son burdened by legacy.

The supporting cast amplifies the series’ allure, with James Norton (Grantchester) as Sean Rafferty, a mysterious figure pivotal to the drama; Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones) as Byron Hedges, marking a highly anticipated return; and Dervla Kirwan (The Silence) as Aunt Agnes Guinness, a formidable family matriarch. Additional roles are filled by Niamh McCormack, Seamus O’Hara, Michael McElhatton, Danielle Galligan, David Wilmot, Hilda Fay, and Cassian Bilton, creating a rich ensemble.

James Norton told Digital Spy he was “thrilled” to work with the Irish cast, dedicating himself to mastering a Dublin accent for his “very Irish” role. Anne Mensah, Netflix’s VP of UK Content, praised the cast as “phenomenal,” predicting the series will “captivate audiences worldwide.”

Production and Style

Produced by Kudos (Banijay UK), House of Guinness bears Steven Knight’s hallmark: sharp writing and layered characters. Directed by Tom Shankland (The Serpent) for the first five episodes and Mounia Akl (Costa Brava Lebanon) for the final three, the series blends intense storytelling with emotional depth. Filming began in July 2024 across Cheshire, Liverpool, and Manchester, with meticulously crafted 19th-century sets and costumes.

The visual style is expected to echo Peaky Blinders, merging historical authenticity with modern cinematic flair. Behind-the-scenes images from What’s on Netflix reveal vibrant Dublin streets and detailed brewery interiors, promising a visually stunning experience. Music and lighting are designed to enhance the story’s tension and grandeur.

Themes and Significance

House of Guinness is more than a family saga; it’s an exploration of power, legacy, and 19th-century society. The series delves into familial conflicts, where loyalty is tested by personal ambition. Anne Plunket’s character offers a feminist perspective, challenging the era’s gender norms, while Dublin characters like Ellen and Patrick Cochrane highlight the working-class experience.

The show also weaves in the historical ascent of Guinness, from a local brewery to a global brand, showcasing entrepreneurial spirit and the era’s challenges. Steven Knight told Deadline that the series is “about people, not just beer,” focusing on the “tragedies and triumphs” of the Guinness family.

Early Buzz and Expectations

Though yet to premiere, House of Guinness is already generating buzz thanks to its creative team and cast. X posts from @NetflixUK (July 25, 2024) and @popcornsapp (October 18, 2024) announcing the cast sparked excitement among Peaky Blinders fans and Jack Gleeson enthusiasts. A post by @Chris_Chambo_ (November 2, 2024) shared filming glimpses from Liverpool, fueling curiosity about the production’s scale.

Anthony Boyle told TV Insider that filming was nearing completion in November 2024, describing it as “an incredible experience.” With production wrapping soon, What’s on Netflix predicts a late 2025 or early 2026 release, timed for peak TV season. Fans expect House of Guinness to rival Peaky Blinders with its intense drama and unforgettable characters.

Release Details

Netflix has not confirmed an exact release date, but House of Guinness is slated for late 2025 or early 2026, streaming exclusively on Netflix with all eight episodes dropped simultaneously. Likely rated TV-MA for its historical themes and intense drama, the series targets fans of epic dramas like The Crown or Boardwalk Empire. Updates can be followed via www.netflix.com or Netflix’s official channels.

Conclusion

House of Guinness is an ambitious venture, bringing Steven Knight’s vision of the Guinness dynasty to life. With a phenomenal cast, vivid historical settings, and gripping family drama, the series is set to captivate Netflix audiences in 2025. From Dublin to New York, House of Guinness tells not just the story of beer but of the people who shaped an enduring legacy. Get ready for an epic tale of power, loyalty, and tragedy that will leave a lasting mark.

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