House of Guinness is a new Netflix drama with all eight episodes of Season 1 now available to stream. Created by Steven Knight (of Peaky Blinders fame), the show boasts a stacked cast including Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O’Shea, James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Niamh McCormack, Seamus O’Hara, David Wilmot, Michael Colgan, Dervla Kirwan, Michael McElhatton, Danielle Galligan, Jessica Reynolds, Ann Skelly, Hilda Fay, and Cassian Bilton.

Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the story picks up right after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness—the man behind the brewery’s extraordinary success. His passing sends shockwaves through both the Guinness family and the wider Dublin community, as his will dramatically alters the futures of his four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—and those who live and work in the shadow of the Guinness empire.

Back when I was figuring out my career path in early adulthood, I actually considered getting into brewing. The craft fascinated me, and there was something about the social ritual of sharing a pint that really resonated. That plan didn’t stick (no regrets), but the idea still holds some charm. So, when a gritty drama from the creator of Peaky Blinders centers around one of the world’s most iconic breweries? Yeah—I’m in.

If Peaky Blinders had a baby with Succession—specifically right after Connor’s wedding episode—you’d get House of Guinness.

The show immediately sets a tone that will resonate with Peaky Blinders fans—just don’t go in expecting a carbon copy. House of Guinness has a distinct identity, and if you’re into brewing, politics, corruption, or messy family dynamics, it delivers. Steven Knight brings his signature grit to the story in a way that feels familiar yet fresh.

With such a large ensemble cast, you’d expect the narrative to be dense—and it is—but the show takes its time getting there. Unlike Peaky Blinders, which stuck to six episodes per season, House of Guinness opts for eight. While the extra runtime gives room to explore more storylines, it also makes the season feel a bit overstuffed. A tighter six-episode arc might have helped the pacing and kept the focus sharper. Still, it’s compelling enough to keep you watching.

The show features an impressive ensemble, with each actor carving out a distinct identity while playing a meaningful role in the larger narrative. The four siblings, in particular, are portrayed with real commitment, highlighting just how fractured and flawed this family becomes without their father at the helm. James Norton seems poised to be a fan favorite, but it’s Anthony Boyle who stands out most—his character’s secrets and ambitions make him the most compelling presence on screen.

One of my favorite aspects of the show is its use of modern music. I know this choice can be divisive, but for me, it works. It’s not just stylistic flair—it sets the tone and creates an emotional hook, much like what films like There’s Still Tomorrow do so well. It may not resonate with everyone, but for me, it feels like the show was made with my taste in mind.

The show takes a unique, almost documentary-like approach to storytelling, as if you’re watching a history book come to life. Steven Knight clearly has a strong vision for how this story should be told, and it shows. Through creative editing techniques—like translating historical sums of money into modern equivalents or visually illustrating how Guinness beer flowed from Dublin to the rest of the world—the series adds rich layers of context. These moments are subtle but meaningful, so it definitely rewards close attention. If you plan to binge it, make sure you carve out time to fully engage with it—it’s not background TV.

From start to finish, the show maintains a steady intensity. But as it nears the end, it becomes clear it’s heading for a cliffhanger. I saw the time left and knew it was coming—and sure enough, they went for it. It’s a bold choice, but also a frustrating one. Cliffhangers have become a bit of a crutch in modern TV, and after spending eight hours with a complex story, it’s disappointing to be left with such an ambiguous ending—especially when a second season isn’t guaranteed. Instead of a satisfying conclusion, it feels like the show didn’t quite know how to wrap things up.

Overall, House of Guinness is a strong, confident debut that delivers everything I look for in a drama. From its standout performances to its distinct storytelling style, it’s easily one of Netflix’s best first seasons this year. That said, the way it ends makes one thing clear: a second season needs to happen. If it doesn’t, then I stand by my case against cliffhangers—they only work when there’s a promise of more to come.

VERDICT: 4/5 – Great