Netflix has an "epic" new period drama in the works, and you'll definitely want to mark your calendars for this one.
House of Guinness, which comes from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, transports audiences back to 1860s Dublin, where the powerful, titular family, who "experience ecstatic highs and heartbreaking lows as they work to live up to their birthright of black gold".
© NetflixOut of all the shows coming to Netflix this year, House of Guinness has to be the one I'm looking forward to the most. Not only is it created by Steve Knight, who's famed for his gritty and stylish storytelling, but the cast is simply outstanding. I'm certain that viewers are in for a real treat.
HELLO!'s TV writer Abby Allen is also excited to tune in. She said: "I don't even know where to begin with this one – a historical drama from the creators of Peaky Blinders, starring Happy Valley's James Norton, Normal People's Fionn O’Shea and Game of Thrones's Jack Gleeson? Just tell me when and where and I'll be there – ready and raring to watch!"
Keep reading for all we know about the show so far.
What is House of Guinness about?
The story opens in 19th-century Dublin and New York and begins following the death of Guinness patriarch, Sir Benjamin Guinness. The series explores how his will impacts the fate of his four children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben.
The full synopsis reads: "House of Guinness explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe's most famous and enduring dynasties - the Guinness Family. Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the story begins immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the far-reaching impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the phenomenon that is Guinness."
© Ben Blackall/NetflixWhat can we expect from House of Guinness?
If we know anything about the works of creator Steven Knight, it's that he's brilliant at telling stories about debaucherous and influential families on their rise to power. If the upcoming series is anything like the Cillian Murphy-starring Peaky Blinders, then this family saga will be a gritty, intense and action-packed ride for viewers, who can expect complex and fleshed-out characters and intricate storytelling.
Just like Tommy Shelby and his brother Arthur in Peaky Blinders, Arthur and Edward Guinness are at the heart of the story and take on the responsibility of the brewery following the death of their father.
© Ben Blackall/NetflixTeasing the show, Steven described it as the "extraordinary story of a family who happens to be the inheritors of the biggest brewery in the world".
He told Tudum, "They're young and are given the task of taking on this incredibly successful brand. The first priority is: Don't screw it up. And the second priority is to make Guinness even bigger."
The real Guinness family
The history of Guinness begins with the first Arthur Guinness, who bought the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin in 1759. However, the series picks up with the death of Arthur's grandson, Sir Benjamin Guinness, who was a key part of the company's history and expanded the business, turning it into a growing empire.
House of Guinness focuses on Benjamin's children, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Benjamin.
© Ben Blackall/NetflixIt was Edward who took over the business when his father died in 1868 and bought out his brother's half-share in 1876.
Meanwhile, eldest son Arthur was voted in as a Conservative MP for Dublin in 1868 before eventually becoming Baron Ardilaun, of Ashford in the County of Galway.
© Ben Blackall/NetflixAs for Benjamin's only daughter, Anne, she was known for her philanthropy work, while his second son, Benjamin, became a captain in the Royal Horse Guards.
Who stars in House of Guinness and why we're excited about it
The series boasts a seriously impressive cast, led by Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air, Manhunt) in the role of Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge (Disclaimer, Enola Holmes) as Edward Guinness, Emily Fairn (The Responder, Saturday Night) as Anne Plunket (née Guinness), James Norton (Happy Valley, Bob Marley: One Love) as Sean Rafferty and Fionn O'Shea (Normal People, Dance First) as Benjamin Guinness.
It's an incredibly strong main cast, with Anthony Boyle having held roles in a string of hit period dramas, including Masters of the Air, Say Nothing and Shardlake, while Louis Partridge is a Hollywood star in the making, with his previous credits including lead roles in Enola Holmes and Pistol. He's also set to star in Netflix's upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation, as well as the George Clooney-starring drama, Jay Kelly.
© NetflixMeanwhile, James Norton takes on the role of Sean Rafferty, and you know you're in safe hands when it comes to the Happy Valley star, who never fails to deliver an epic performance.
They're joined by Dervla Kirwan (True Detective: Night Country, Smother) as Aunt Agnes Guinness, Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones, In The Land of Saints and Sinners) as Byron Hedges, Niamh McCormack (Everything Now, The Magic Flute) as Ellen Cochrane, Danielle Galligan (Shadow and Bone S1 & S2, Obituary) as Lady Olivia Hedges, Ann Skelly (The Nevers, The Sandman S2) as Adelaide Guinness and Seamus O’Hara (Blue Lights, An Irish Goodbye) as Patrick Cochrane.
Other cast members include Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones, The Long Shadow) in the role of John Potter, David Wilmot (Station Eleven, Bodkin) as Bonnie Champion, Michael Colgan (Say Nothing, The Regime) as Rev Henry Gratton, Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap, The Wolf, The Fox And The Leopard) as Lady Christine O'Madden, Hilda Fay (The Woman In The Wall) as Sultan and Elizabeth Daulau (Andor, Wicked) as Lady Henrietta St Lawrence.
When will House of Guinness be released?
All eight episodes of House of Guinness will arrive on Netflix on September 25.
Five more Steven Knight dramas to watch while you wait...
© Robert Viglasky1. Peaky Blinders – BBC iPlayer
A must-watch for Steven Knight beginners is the story of the Peaky Blinders gang, set shortly after the First World War. In Birmingham, Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is the crime boss – but what happens when Detective Chester Campbell is determined to bring down their criminal empire?
2. A Thousand Blows – Disney+
Inspired by true events, Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica, fight for their lives in the East End of London during the 1880s. One of their biggest obstacles: Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), a dangerous veteran boxer.
3. SAS: Rogue Heroes – BBC iPlayer
This action-packed Steven Knight series charts the creation of the British Army's Special Air Service during the Western Desert campaign in the Second World War. With a strong cast, including Jack O'Connell and Dominic West, the series begins in 1914 in a hospital in Cairo, where one army officer comes up with a genius idea...
© BBC4. Taboo – BBC iPlayer
Set in 1814, James Delaney (Tom Hardy) returns to England to attend his father’s funeral after spending ten years in Africa. The series explores political and business corruption involving the East India Company, criminal gangs, and the general disorder of 19th-century England.
