House of Guinness: Netflix’s New Succession-Meets-Peaky Blinders Drama

TL;DR: Netflix’s House of Guinness arrives on 25 September, bringing the explosive story of the Guinness dynasty to life. Written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), the eight-part drama explores the power struggles, scandal, and legacy of one of Ireland’s most famous families. James Norton leads a stellar cast in what promises to be a gripping period drama.

Netflix Brings the Guinness Family Drama to Life

If you love Succession or Peaky Blinders, Netflix’s upcoming series House of Guinness is one to watch. Written and created by Steven Knight, the show tells the dramatic story of the Guinness family after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the grandson of brewery founder Arthur Guinness.

This historical saga promises power struggles, betrayals, and personal rivalries that reshaped the future of the dynasty and the legendary Guinness brewery.

What Is House of Guinness About?

Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the eight-part series follows the aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death. His four children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—find themselves at the centre of a high-stakes inheritance battle.

But the story doesn’t just stay within the walls of the Guinness family. The drama also captures the lives of Dubliners whose fates are tied to the family’s extraordinary rise.

Steven Knight describes the Guinness dynasty as a story of “wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy,” making it fertile ground for gripping television.

Who Stars in House of Guinness?

Netflix has assembled an impressive cast of Irish and international talent, including:

• Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) as Arthur Guinness
• Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) as Edward Guinness
• Emily Fairn (The Responder) as Anne Plunket
• Fionn O’Shea (Normal People) as Benjamin Guinness
• James Norton (Happy Valley) as Sean Rafferty
• Niamh McCormack (Everything Now) as Ellen Cochrane
• Seamus O’Hara (Blue Lights) as Patrick Cochrane
• Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones) as Byron Hedges
• Dervla Kirwan (True Detective: Night Country) as Aunt Agnes Guinness
• Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones) as John Potter
• Danielle Galligan (Shadow and Bone) as Lady Olivia Hedges
• David Wilmot (Station Eleven) as Bonnie Champion
• Hilda Fay (The Woman in the Wall) as Sultan

James Norton admitted mastering the Dublin accent was a challenge but called the series “really fun” and praised Knight’s script as some of his best work.

Is House of Guinness Based on a True Story?

Yes, the show is rooted in real history. The Guinness family is one of Europe’s most famous dynasties, and much of the drama is inspired by real events following Benjamin Guinness’s death.

While Steven Knight may have taken creative liberties, he insists the Guinness story already offers enough intrigue, tragedy, and power to rival any fictional drama.

Release Date and How to Watch

House of Guinness premieres exclusively on Netflix on Thursday 25 September 2025. All eight episodes will be available to stream, making it the perfect binge-watch for fans of historical dramas with a modern edge.

With its mix of power, wealth, betrayal, and Irish history, House of Guinness looks set to be one of Netflix’s biggest autumn releases. Fans of Peaky Blinders and Succession won’t want to miss this gripping tale of one of Ireland’s most powerful families.