Peaky Blinders has six seasons (series), which aired on BBC Two and BBC One in the UK from 2013 to 2022. The show follows the Shelby family, a Birmingham gang led by Thomas Shelby, from 1919 to 1934. Each season covers roughly two years of story time, and the series is known for its anachronistic soundtrack, sharp tailoring, and the ongoing rise of the Shelby crime empire.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Here is a quick overview of each season, including the year it is set, the year it aired, and the main storyline arc. Note that the show’s creator, Steven Knight, has said the story was originally planned for five seasons but was extended to six, with a film sequel in development.
- Season 1 (2019 in-story, aired 2013): Thomas Shelby returns from World War I and uses a stolen shipment of guns to expand the Peaky Blinders’ influence in Birmingham. The season introduces the rivalry with Inspector Campbell and the Lee family, and ends with the death of Grace’s husband and the arrest of Tommy.
- Season 2 (1921, aired 2014): The Shelbys move into London and face the Jewish gang led by Alfie Solomons. Tommy is forced to work for the IRA and ends the season with a failed assassination attempt on a fascist leader, leading to his near-execution.
- Season 3 (1924, aired 2016): Tommy marries Grace, but she is killed shortly after. He becomes involved with a secret revolutionary society called the Economic League, and the season ends with Tommy betraying them to protect his family.
- Season 4 (1925, aired 2017): The Italian mafia, led by Luca Changretta, declares war on the Shelbys. The season features the death of John Shelby and ends with Tommy defeating Changretta, but also with a cliffhanger involving a letter from the Economic League.
- Season 5 (1929, aired 2019): Tommy becomes a Member of Parliament and tries to stop the rise of fascism, led by Oswald Mosley. The season ends with Tommy planning to assassinate Mosley, but the plan fails, and Tommy is left in a state of crisis.
- Season 6 (1933, aired 2022): The final season deals with the aftermath of the failed assassination, the death of Polly (due to the actress Helen McCrory’s passing), and Tommy’s battle with illness and addiction. The season ends with Tommy discovering he has been deceived by Mosley and his associates, and he walks away from his old life, seemingly to start anew.
How Many Episodes in Each Season?
Each season of Peaky Blinders has a consistent number of episodes, with the exception of the final season. The episode counts are as follows:
- Season 1: 6 episodes
- Season 2: 6 episodes
- Season 3: 6 episodes
- Season 4: 6 episodes
- Season 5: 6 episodes
- Season 6: 6 episodes
All episodes are roughly 55–60 minutes long, except for the series finale, which is extended to about 81 minutes. The show is available on Netflix internationally, but in the UK it was broadcast on BBC Two for the first five seasons and on BBC One for the sixth.
Is There a Season 7?
No, there is no Season 7. The sixth season is the final season of the television series. However, creator Steven Knight has confirmed that the story will continue with a feature film, which is currently in development. The film is expected to be set during World War II and will likely feature Cillian Murphy reprising his role as Tommy Shelby. As of 2024, the film has been announced but not yet released, and no release date has been confirmed.
Where to Watch and How to Binge
Peaky Blinders is available to stream on Netflix in most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. In the UK, it was originally aired on BBC Two and BBC One, but Netflix holds the international streaming rights. If you want to watch the complete series, you can find all six seasons on Netflix. For those who prefer physical media, the complete series box set is available on DVD and Blu-ray. If you are new to the show, it is recommended to watch from the beginning, as each season builds on the previous ones, and the character arcs are continuous.
Common Questions About the Seasons
Are the seasons based on real events?
The show is loosely inspired by the real Peaky Blinders gang, which existed in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the characters and most plotlines are fictional. The real gang was known for sewing razor blades into their caps, but the show’s creator has said that the iconic flat caps with razor blades were a dramatic invention. The show does incorporate real historical figures and events, such as Winston Churchill, Oswald Mosley, and the 1926 General Strike, but the Shelby family’s story is fictional.
Why did the show end after six seasons?
Creator Steven Knight has said that the story was always planned to have a definitive ending, and six seasons felt like the right length to tell the story of Tommy Shelby’s rise and fall. He also mentioned that the death of Helen McCrory, who played Polly, influenced the final season’s writing. The show’s ending leaves Tommy alive and walking away from his empire, which sets up the planned film.
Do I need to watch the seasons in order?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to watch the seasons in order. The show has a continuous narrative, and each season directly follows the previous one. Characters return, and plotlines carry over, so watching out of order would spoil major events and make the story confusing. If you are new to the show, start with Season 1.
What is the best season?
Opinions vary, but many fans and critics consider Season 2 or Season 4 to be the strongest. Season 2 introduces Alfie Solomons and the London setting, while Season 4 features the intense war with the Italian mafia. However, the show maintains a high quality throughout, and the final season is praised for its emotional depth.
Is there a spin-off or prequel series?
As of now, there is no spin-off or prequel series, but a film sequel is in development. Steven Knight has also mentioned ideas for a prequel about the Shelbys’ parents, but nothing has been officially announced. The only official continuation is the upcoming film.
Why the Show Is So Popular
Peaky Blinders has become a cultural phenomenon, known for its stylish portrayal of 1920s and 1930s gangster life. The show’s popularity can be attributed to several factors:
- Cillian Murphy’s performance: His portrayal of Tommy Shelby is widely praised for its intensity and complexity.
- Anachronistic music: The show uses modern music, such as Arctic Monkeys and Nick Cave, which gives it a unique feel.
- Period detail: The costumes, sets, and cinematography are meticulously crafted to evoke the era.
- Strong supporting cast: Actors like Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, and Tom Hardy add depth to the series.
The show has also been credited with a resurgence of interest in 1920s fashion, particularly the flat cap and tailored suits. It has won multiple awards, including BAFTAs, and has a dedicated global fanbase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons of Peaky Blinders are there?
There are six seasons, with a total of 36 episodes. The show ran from 2013 to 2022.
Will there be a Peaky Blinders movie?
Yes, a film is in development. It will be a continuation of the series, set during World War II, and is expected to be released in theaters and on Netflix. No release date has been set yet.
Is Peaky Blinders based on a true story?
It is loosely based on the real Peaky Blinders gang, but the characters and most events are fictional. The real gang was active in Birmingham in the 1890s and early 1900s, but the show is set in the 1920s and 1930s, which is a historical shift.
What is the correct order to watch Peaky Blinders?
Watch the seasons in numerical order, from Season 1 to Season 6. There are no prequels or side stories that need to be watched in between.
Why did Polly die in Season 6?
Polly’s death was written into the show because the actress Helen McCrory passed away in 2021. The writers chose to have her character die off-screen, and the season deals with the aftermath of her death.
Where can I watch Peaky Blinders?
All six seasons are available on Netflix in most regions. In the UK, it is also available on BBC iPlayer.
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