The Netflix series House of Guinness, fresh off its September 25 premiere, has quickly captivated audiences with its gritty take on the iconic Irish brewing dynasty. Created by Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders fame, the show dives into the turbulent lives of the Guinness family in 19th-century Dublin and New York, kicking off right after the death of brewery titan Sir Benjamin Guinness in 1868. It's a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the weight of legacy, all wrapped in period drama flair that feels both lavish and unflinchingly raw.
At the heart of the ensemble is the cast, a mix of rising stars and familiar faces bringing the siblings to life. Anthony Boyle leads as Arthur Guinness, the eldest son grappling with responsibility amid family fractures. Emily Fairn portrays Anne, the sharp-witted sister navigating societal constraints, while Fionn O'Shea embodies the youngest, Ben, with a mix of vulnerability and fire. But it's Louis Partridge's turn as Edward Guinness that stands out—Edward, the brooding second son played by the 22-year-old British actor known from Enola Holmes—who channels a restless intensity. Partridge's Edward is no mere side player; he's the wildcard, torn between loyalty to the family empire and his own impulsive desires, often clashing with Arthur in ways that echo deeper Guinness rivalries. Indeed, his performance adds a layer of quiet menace, making you question just how far he'd go to claim his slice of the fortune. Supporting roles shine too, with James Norton as the enigmatic Sean Rafferty and Niamh McCormack as the resilient Ellen Cochrane, fleshing out the Dublin underbelly intertwined with the brewers' rise.
However, the real buzz now swirls around Season 2. The first season wraps on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger involving Edward's risky maneuvers and a brewing scandal that threatens the entire dynasty. Knight has teased "exciting" possibilities in recent interviews, hinting at expansions into the family's global reach, perhaps touching on later Guinness scandals or expansions. Netflix hasn't greenlit it yet—as of early October 2025, renewal talks are ongoing but promising—yet the show's strong debut viewership and critical nods for its historical edge suggest more episodes could pour forth. Moreover, with the real Guinness saga spanning generations, there's ample fodder for continuation, from banking ventures to philanthropy twists.
Still, in a landscape crowded with period pieces, House of Guinness carves its niche by humanizing the tycoons without romanticizing their empire-building. As viewers dissect Edward's arc and ponder the siblings' fates, the question lingers: will the next round dilute the brew or strengthen it?