Netflix’s ‘House of Guinness’: Epic 8-Part Period Drama Set to Premiere September 25, 2025
Netflix is raising the stakes once again with an “utterly unmissable” historical drama — and this time, it comes with the creative force of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight behind it. The new 8-part series, House of Guinness, stars James Norton (Happy Valley) and transports viewers to 1860s Dublin and New York, at the height of industrial power and family ambition.
Inspired by the real-life Guinness dynasty, the series begins in the aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death, the visionary brewer who built a global empire. His passing plunges the family into turmoil, and his four adult children — Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben — must navigate a ruthless world of wealth, legacy, and betrayal as they struggle to live up to a birthright built on the family’s “black gold.”
A Story of Power, Betrayal, and Family Ambition
House of Guinness has already been hailed as The Crown meets Downton Abbey, blending grandeur with emotional intensity. Think the grit and tension of Peaky Blinders, the opulence of Downton Abbey, and the high-stakes family intrigue of Succession, all set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most famous dynasties. From ecstatic highs to heartbreaking lows, the series promises a dark, intoxicating saga of ambition, secrecy, and betrayal.
Meet the Cast
The series features a stellar ensemble, led by:
Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air, Manhunt) as Arthur Guinness
Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes, Disclaimer) 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
Fionn O’Shea (Normal People, Dance First) as Benjamin Guinness
Supporting roles include Dervla Kirwan as Aunt Agnes Guinness, Jack Gleeson as Byron Hedges, Danielle Galligan as Lady Olivia Hedges, and Ann Skelly as Adelaide Guinness, among others. The show also features Michael McElhatton, David Wilmot, Michael Colgan, Jessica Reynolds, Hilda Fay, and Elizabeth Daulau, creating a rich tapestry of characters that brings the 19th-century world to life.
A Historical Epic You Can’t Miss
Set in the bustling streets of Dublin and the industrial hubs of New York, the drama explores the far-reaching impact of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s legacy on his children and the community around them. The series blends historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, showing both the public grandeur and private turmoil of a family whose fortunes shaped nations.
Creator Steven Knight teased that the series would reveal “the extraordinary story of a family who happens to be the inheritors of the biggest brewery in the world”. With its blend of historical detail, complex characters, and high-stakes drama, House of Guinness is already shaping up to be Netflix’s most addictive historical thriller yet.
Release Date
All eight episodes of House of Guinness will premiere on Netflix on September 25, 2025, giving viewers a full binge-worthy experience of family power struggles, dark secrets, and high-stakes intrigue.
Whether you’re a fan of historical drama, family sagas, or intense character-driven thrillers, House of Guinness promises to deliver every ounce of excitement, scandal, and emotion.
