The Netflix drama House of Guinness, which dropped all eight episodes on September 25, has quickly captured audiences with its gritty take on the iconic Irish brewing dynasty. Created by Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders fame, the series dives into the turbulent 1860s aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness's death, exploring how his will reshapes the lives of his four children and a web of Dublin underlings tied to the expanding empire. It's a tale of ambition, betrayal, and stout-fueled power struggles, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Ireland and New York.
At the heart of the ensemble is Louis Partridge, stepping into the role of Edward Guinness, the second son whose arc blends quiet intensity with simmering resentment. Partridge, known for his turn in Enola Holmes, brings a nuanced edge to Edward—a character caught between family loyalty and personal demons, often overshadowed by his more assertive siblings. Indeed, the casting choices feel spot-on; Anthony Boyle commands as the eldest, Arthur, with a brooding authority that echoes the real historical figure's drive to modernize the brewery. Emily Fairn portrays Anne with a sharp, unyielding poise, while Fionn O'Shea lends vulnerability to young Ben. Supporting players like James Norton as the enigmatic Sean Rafferty add layers of intrigue, his character's shadowy maneuvers hinting at the darker undercurrents of the Guinness rise.
However, it's the ensemble's chemistry that truly brews the tension, making each family dinner feel like a powder keg. The production, filmed across Dublin, Stockport, and Liverpool starting in summer 2024, captures the era's grit without romanticizing it—though some critics note the script occasionally leans too heavily on Knight's familiar gangster tropes.
As for a second season, the outlook is promising but unconfirmed. Knight has teased expansions into the family's later scandals and global reach, especially after the finale's jaw-dropping cliffhanger involving Edward's fateful decision. Netflix hasn't greenlit it yet, but with strong early viewership numbers and the dynasty's real-life saga offering endless material—from banking ventures to political entanglements—the wait might not be long. Viewers are already clamoring for more, drawn to how the show humanizes these larger-than-life figures.
Yet beneath the drama, the series subtly questions the cost of legacy, leaving us to ponder if such empires ever truly quench their thirst.