The Netflix series House of Guinness, which dropped all eight episodes on September 25, has quickly captured viewers with its gritty take on the iconic Irish brewing dynasty. Created by Steven Knight—known for his sharp-edged Peaky Blinders—the show dives into the turbulent 19th-century world following the death of brewery titan Benjamin Guinness. His will sets off a chain of rivalries among his four adult children, blending family drama with Dublin's brewing empire expansion. Indeed, the ensemble cast brings a raw intensity to these historical figures, making the stakes feel all too real.
At the center is Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, the ambitious eldest son navigating betrayal and ambition. But it's Louis Partridge's portrayal of Edward Guinness that stands out for its quiet menace. Partridge, fresh off roles in Enola Holmes, embodies Edward as the brooding second son, torn between loyalty and resentment. His character's arc, marked by a pivotal alliance with a scheming outsider, adds layers of moral ambiguity to the family's power struggles. Emily Fairn as Anne Guinness delivers a fierce performance as the only daughter fighting for her place, while Jack Gleeson chews scenery as the volatile Ben. James Norton rounds out the siblings as the more reserved Arthur—wait, no, that's Boyle; Norton plays a key ally in the brewing world, his presence lending gravitas to the corporate intrigue.
However, the real buzz now swirls around a potential second season. The finale cliffhanger, involving a shocking betrayal that threatens the entire Guinness legacy, has left audiences demanding more. Knight himself has hinted at exciting developments in recent interviews, suggesting the show's rich historical tapestry could extend into the family's later scandals and triumphs. Netflix hasn't confirmed renewal yet, but with viewership numbers reportedly strong in the first week, insiders whisper of green lights by year's end. Moreover, the production's meticulous recreation of 1860s Dublin—filmed across Manchester and Liverpool—has critics praising its authenticity, even if some plot twists stretch historical facts for drama.
Yet, as the series wraps its first chapter on such a knife-edge, one can't help but wonder how far the Guinness saga will unravel in the hands of these talented actors.