Peaky Blinders

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Season 1
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 302 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 284 out of 302
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 302
  3. Negative: 10 out of 302
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  1. memrich
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    At the time that I am writing this there have only been two tepid critics reviews about this show. This is my first metacritic review as a result, Though I write a lot of reviews on IMDB. I simply have to throw my two cents in and say I think this is the third best show ever created for TV behind Breaking Bad and The Wire. Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill head up a great cast that alsoAt the time that I am writing this there have only been two tepid critics reviews about this show. This is my first metacritic review as a result, Though I write a lot of reviews on IMDB. I simply have to throw my two cents in and say I think this is the third best show ever created for TV behind Breaking Bad and The Wire. Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill head up a great cast that also includes strong work from Annabelle Wallis and several others. I dare you not to binge watch this on Netflix. It has a fantastic anachronistic soundtrack, a phenomenal bleak look, and just a great great story. Season one has one of the greatest cliffhanger endings ever, and season 2 which I have not seen yet, has Tom Hardy starring. I am blown away that the two critics reviews here are so low. But this is one phenomenal show.… Expand
  2. KstJames_5
    Oct 23, 2014
    10
    This is one of best all around series there is on TV. The writing is impeccable, the sets are perfect, and the acting is worthy of a few awards when they come around.
  3. annsu
    Oct 23, 2014
    10
    Astonished at the lacklustre reviews for such a fantastic series. Peaky Blinders is fast-paced and gripping, a great thrill with the icing on top being the extremely talented cast. There are elements of mystery and lots of clever plotting, and the series is not without heart. Have not enjoyed anything like this since 'Breaking Bad'. Cillian Murphy was simply born to play Thomas Shelby. IAstonished at the lacklustre reviews for such a fantastic series. Peaky Blinders is fast-paced and gripping, a great thrill with the icing on top being the extremely talented cast. There are elements of mystery and lots of clever plotting, and the series is not without heart. Have not enjoyed anything like this since 'Breaking Bad'. Cillian Murphy was simply born to play Thomas Shelby. I hope this series lives on for many a season. Give it a shot!… Expand
  4. pokethelump
    Nov 27, 2014
    10
    As of right now there are only TWO critic reviews for Peaky Blinders... and they are both quite average. This show may start a bit slow but the writing and acting are second to none. I know it might be a trend as of late to have the antihero as the star of a show... but Peaky Blinders absolutely nails it where others seem to fail.

    Watch this Series. Easily the best Netflix Original out there.
  5. icancountto8
    Oct 19, 2014
    8
    An excellent drama so far. I watch it with my wife. The clever plotting of Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders is gripping. Costumer and set design are excellent. Also, there is depth to the main characters.
  6. dvader7272
    Jan 21, 2015
    9
    Everything about this show oozes quality. The cast, the set designs, the writing and the directing are all top notch. Season 1 does a great job of establishing the characters before moving them into some very harrowing but believable situations. I can't wait to see what Season 2 has in store, especially knowing that Tom Hardy is joining the already stellar cast.
  7. dinojay2
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    Only a few episodes in but already can't wait to see where this series goes. Cillian Murphy is riveting, the setting is surreal, and the music is all over the map and really sets the mood. Just an all-around excellent show, one of the few that seems to really put some time and effort into the details.
  8. Lazlo
    Nov 29, 2014
    9
    Just to concur with everyone else - this is a superb series, on of the very few British series to compete with the best of HBO, and the two luke-warm critics reviews are unfathomable.

    It's highly stylised (the sets don't pretend to be realistic, Nick Cave's music works great, the semi-modern haircuts somehow links the two eras) but what a relief from regular British gangster cockney    Just to concur with everyone else - this is a superb series, on of the very few British series to compete with the best of HBO, and the two luke-warm critics reviews are unfathomable.

    It's highly stylised (the sets don't pretend to be realistic, Nick Cave's music works great, the semi-modern haircuts somehow links the two eras) but what a relief from regular British gangster cockney gangster films. Fantastic performances, particularly from the stunningly charismatic Cillian Murphy and the divine Helen McCrory, but, most of all, a gripping, ingenious, witty, phenomenal script.    … Expand
  9. virginiaproud
    Feb 1, 2015
    10
    What an outstanding show. It's hard to believe that it's been so overlooked by the critics. The ensemble cast is absolute quality. It's a mesmerising performance by Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill is menacing and brilliant, in fact the chemistry with the whole cast is top notch. A wonderful period drama, that matches Boardwalk Empire's authenticity, with a whole lot more grittiness and humanity.What an outstanding show. It's hard to believe that it's been so overlooked by the critics. The ensemble cast is absolute quality. It's a mesmerising performance by Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill is menacing and brilliant, in fact the chemistry with the whole cast is top notch. A wonderful period drama, that matches Boardwalk Empire's authenticity, with a whole lot more grittiness and humanity. Against the backdrop of an industrializing Britain just recovering from World War 1, its men returning harrowed and scarred, it's women not so easily pushed back into their place. It's a crime family drama worthy of the Sopranos, steeped in the issues of 1919, but intensely personal, grounded in family values and the search for human connection.… Expand
  10. NavyBean
    Jan 2, 2015
    10
    Amazing stuff. Great performances. Cillian Murphy is more than a pretty face, ocean blue eyes and a great back side. He's the real deal. Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Iddo Goldberg, Annabelle Wallis, Joe Cole all outstanding.
  11. DeanChorley
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    I binge watched up to and including episode 4 of season 2, then my friend came in and saw the last few minutes of an episode; we proceeded to start from the very beginning and binged it to the end of season 2. This was in exam season so this show may just have lowered my uni grades by 5 or 10%
  12. mark_sf
    Sep 15, 2015
    9
    I just finished watching the entire first season Netflix. I can't believe this show has not gotten more attention. The acting and direction are very good, and the writing is superb, which is pretty hard to come by. The sets are nothing special, and the music score a bit out of place for a story that was supposed to happen 100 years ago, but these are pretty minor quibbles.
  13. JDKam27
    Nov 18, 2015
    9
    Awesome show. Highly recommend. I love the characters and the atmosphere and the way the entire show was shot. My only complaint is that it starts off pretty slow and was a little hard to for me to catch on. It took me a few episodes to really get hooked into it, but it turned out to be a very good show. I'm very much looking forward to the next season.
  14. Kunsti
    May 13, 2016
    9
    I don't understand the low ratings of the two critic reviews. Peaky Blinders is one of the best shows I've seen so far. I totally recommend watching it. Cillian Murphy also delivers an outstanding performance, just like the whole cast of the series.
  15. jordancotton
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    There is not much i can say about this series apart from its absolutely amazing, outstanding and is a masterpiece. The characters all play a huge part and each ones acting is incredible. All the time spent watching this is certainly worth it. Each episode runs smoothly and makes sense one after the other while your engaged with great story, they is also plenty of action and breathtakingThere is not much i can say about this series apart from its absolutely amazing, outstanding and is a masterpiece. The characters all play a huge part and each ones acting is incredible. All the time spent watching this is certainly worth it. Each episode runs smoothly and makes sense one after the other while your engaged with great story, they is also plenty of action and breathtaking moments.

    Story and plot- 10/10
    characters- 10/10
    acting- 10/10
    voicing- 10/10    … Expand
  16. SgtSlick
    Oct 28, 2014
    8
    The First season is definitely above average. It has an original style and flow to it which I like a lot. The dialogue is pretty believable for the most part, and so too is the acting. The story is fun to watch but after awhile it does become a tad repetitive and or rather uninspired, particularly in the second season. Overall, its worth the watch for sure.
  17. jbrandon
    Nov 5, 2014
    10
    Brilliant. The acting is superb in this gangster period piece. The writing is top notch and well thought out. No idea how the critics could get this wrong. As we get into season 2 the violence, story and characters continue to develop as we know that the creators know where they want to go with the series. This is a must watch!
  18. gem22
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    I did forget to mention one thing. I wanted to like Grace, but couldn't manage it. I do like Charlotte Riley's character and find her a lot more interesting. Please, please make Grace go away. I
  19. incakesforme
    Apr 5, 2015
    9
    I'll just say what most other reviewers are, just try this show simply for Cillian Murphy. This is all that really needs to be said to get you started. After you do start you will then understand why people keep watching and why some users are putting it in their top 5. I haven't finished the series just yet (up to s2e4) but I can definitely see me making some changes to my top all time list.
  20. dave2222
    Dec 18, 2016
    2
    I really wanted to like this series, being a fan of ' Boardwalk Empire' and the Sopranos, but the writing is flat, formulaic and shows nothing of the wit, or accent that midlanders are famous for. This predictable writing style promotes weak performances. A waste of good actors.
  21. SandyRosen
    Mar 13, 2018
    2
    I really wanted to like this series. I made it through the first 2 seasons but found the writing to be flat and boring. The setting is great and that is why I elivated my review to a solid 2 but I did not have the ability to stick with a slow moving story that has no heart.
  22. mikeearl
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    I'm shocked to see just two critic reviews, each with subpar ratings of the show. My wife and I have been thoroughly gripped by this series. Cilian Murphy is lights-out. He is mesmerizing on screen, and the ultimate Alpha Male in this show. While the show has a bit of violence, it's nothing overwhelming. My wife has turned her eyes away a few times, but it's not at all over-the-topI'm shocked to see just two critic reviews, each with subpar ratings of the show. My wife and I have been thoroughly gripped by this series. Cilian Murphy is lights-out. He is mesmerizing on screen, and the ultimate Alpha Male in this show. While the show has a bit of violence, it's nothing overwhelming. My wife has turned her eyes away a few times, but it's not at all over-the-top (at least, not through episode 4 of Season 1).… Expand
  23. scartwright49
    Oct 7, 2014
    9
    As a english bloke I have been wondering when this show would be going to the states. With a fantastic cast this show is well worth your time. It has been called a british boardwalk empire which in some ways it is. With only six episodes a series, things move at a swifter pace than boardwalk empire. The entire cast is excellent. In comparison to other british shows it is brand new. And IAs a english bloke I have been wondering when this show would be going to the states. With a fantastic cast this show is well worth your time. It has been called a british boardwalk empire which in some ways it is. With only six episodes a series, things move at a swifter pace than boardwalk empire. The entire cast is excellent. In comparison to other british shows it is brand new. And I am glad that Birmingham England's second city is finally being featured on tv. Though the accents are a little hit and miss you overlook. I doubt american would have heard accents like these on tv before. My only gripe with this show is the over use of the soundtrack. The music is fine, very good even however it is absolutly overused in this show. Plus season 2 has Tom Hardy.… Expand
  24. SierrArch
    Jan 4, 2015
    10
    Critic reviews are, in my opinion, completely misleading and lacking of any substance or reasoning. With that said, as my first review I must say that this is THE best Netflix Original Series to date.

    The series is set in a Post-WW1 Birmingham and London, and focuses around a powerful gang known as the Peaky Blinders, and their struggles to rise up in the ranks. The series is very    Critic reviews are, in my opinion, completely misleading and lacking of any substance or reasoning. With that said, as my first review I must say that this is THE best Netflix Original Series to date.

    The series is set in a Post-WW1 Birmingham and London, and focuses around a powerful gang known as the Peaky Blinders, and their struggles to rise up in the ranks.

    The series is very reminiscent of Boardwalk Empire, but with it's own style. One of my favorite aspects of the show is how connects to historical events and figures, and that it sheds a light into the bleak aftermath of the first world war. Dealings among rival gangs and more well-known Communist movement as well as Irish Republican Army (IRA) are what made the show very interesting, and unique.

    The casting of Cillian Murphy and Sam Neil is absolutely brilliant, as is the rest of the supporting cast (including Tom Hardy in Season 2). The soundtrack is another key component that very much adds to the drama and sheer badassery that makes up this great series.

    This IS the netflix series to watch.    … Expand
  25. Murray
    Oct 10, 2014
    9
    Gritty, grimy, relentlessly enthralling. British at its best! No American gloss. (I can see why the first two "critics" didn't get it.) If you liked Luther give this a whirl.
  26. mechanic0
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    Absolutely addicting.Gripping story lines. Beautiful cinematography. Wonderful acting. Awesome soundtrack. Gorgeous in all its violence. The bbc has a winner.
  27. seventhseal
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    What to say about a series this amazing? Where to start? Who to focus on?

    Well lets start at the beginning...Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Sam Neill, Paul Anderson & Annabelle Wallis turn out simply stunning performances, They really suck you into each of their respective characters and all blend together to produce a visually stunning, superbly scripted, quality produced and musically    What to say about a series this amazing? Where to start? Who to focus on?

    Well lets start at the beginning...Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Sam Neill, Paul Anderson & Annabelle Wallis turn out simply stunning performances, They really suck you into each of their respective characters and all blend together to produce a visually stunning, superbly scripted, quality produced and musically themed wonderment of modern day television.

    It is virtually unheard of for me to watch any period television and as a result I nearly let this slip by me. Never in my life have I been so glad for taking a random punt on a TV series.

    In conclusion this is nearing a 10 outta 10 and a piece of television I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to everyone.    … Expand
  28. QuentinBay57mc
    Jun 8, 2015
    9
    The two critic reviews - and why only two? - are very misleading. This is one of the best British shows in recent years, with a stellar performance from Cillian Murphy as the central character. While similar to Boardwalk Empire in mood and setting, I find the characters more empathetic and the scenario more compelling. Well worth checking out - and I shall certainly be bypassing those twoThe two critic reviews - and why only two? - are very misleading. This is one of the best British shows in recent years, with a stellar performance from Cillian Murphy as the central character. While similar to Boardwalk Empire in mood and setting, I find the characters more empathetic and the scenario more compelling. Well worth checking out - and I shall certainly be bypassing those two 'critics' in future.… Expand
  29. Essdot
    Jan 11, 2015
    10
    If you like Breaking Bad, Sopranos, SoA or Game of Thrones then this is the show you have been waiting for....

    Can you remember how boring the first few episodes of all your favourite shows were? Breaking Bad was a victim of this and it turned in to the highest rated show of all time, one I have watched several times. Peaky Blinders is no different. We expect too much from a first 20    If you like Breaking Bad, Sopranos, SoA or Game of Thrones then this is the show you have been waiting for....

    Can you remember how boring the first few episodes of all your favourite shows were? Breaking Bad was a victim of this and it turned in to the highest rated show of all time, one I have watched several times.

    Peaky Blinders is no different. We expect too much from a first 20 mins of a show that we give up too easily. I was hooked by the end of the 2nd episode. Its almost like what Boardwalk Empire COULD have been if they went a different direction. The acting and writing and soundtrack are AMAZING and the plot gets better with each episode. Tommy Shelby is quite easily my favourite character on TV and is giving Walter White cause for concern. Stop what you are doing and watch the first 3 episodes. Somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd episode you were discover that you are in love.    … Expand
  30. Turms_of_Alps
    May 13, 2016
    9
    Great atmosphere and solid cast and crew. Title song by Nick Cave fits the show perfectly: dark and twisted but aways interesting. Seldom seem location and fascinating historical era.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Status
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Mar 20, 2026
    60
    Enough callbacks to make this a worthwhile experience for the show’s fans, if not quite a peak one.
    Read full review
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Oct 3, 2014
    50
    Peaky Blinders is literate (watch for the visual references to “L’Atalante” and Charon’s crossing) and sometimes great looking, with impressive evocations of hellish industrial sections of Birmingham that have a science-fiction feel. But for a sprawling soap opera that packs in Roma curses, shell shock, hash pipes, Chinatown prostitutes and gang members sporting the 1919 version of a half-shaved boy-band haircut, it doesn’t have quite enough juice.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Oct 3, 2014
    50
    It’s a respectable but chilly effort, fine for those who choose to invest the time but hardly a loss should one turn a blind eye.
    Read full review