The Netflix series House of Guinness, which dropped its first season on September 25, 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 siblings following their father's death in 1868. At the center are four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—whose ambitions and rivalries propel the drama amid Dublin's brewing empire expansion.
Leading the pack is Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, the eldest son grappling with legacy and loss. But it's Louis Partridge's portrayal of Edward Guinness that has drawn particular praise for its brooding intensity. Partridge, known from Enola Holmes, brings a sharp edge to Edward, the second son torn between family duty and personal desires. His performance captures the quiet storm of a man navigating betrayal and power plays, making Edward a standout in the ensemble. Emily Fairn embodies Anne with fierce independence, while Fionn O'Shea's Ben adds layers of youthful rebellion. James Norton rounds out key roles, lending gravitas to the supporting cast that includes historical figures like Lady Henrietta St. Lawrence.
Indeed, the casting feels spot-on, blending fresh faces with established talent to humanize the real-life Guinness family, whose story of wealth and scandal still echoes today. The eight-episode arc, filmed across Dublin and England starting in summer 2024, ends on a shocking cliffhanger involving Arthur's fate, leaving viewers hungry for more. Knight has hinted at exciting possibilities for continuation, noting in recent interviews that the family's saga offers endless material. However, Netflix hasn't officially renewed yet—though the promising buzz suggests a second season could brew soon, perhaps exploring the siblings' further entanglements in politics and industry.
Moreover, the series doesn't shy away from the darker undercurrents of empire-building, with subtle critiques of privilege woven in. Partridge's Edward, in particular, embodies that tension, his choices reflecting broader questions of inheritance and identity. As the dust settles on season one, one wonders how far the Guinness legacy will stretch on screen.