The much-anticipated Netflix series House of Guinness has officially launched, bringing viewers into the heart of 1860s Dublin with all the family drama, political intrigue, and brewing empire battles you could ask for. Created by Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, this house of guinness Netflix series delivers eight episodes of pure entertainment that has already captured American audiences and critics alike.
What Makes House of Guinness Worth Watching
House of Guinness transports viewers to Dublin in 1868, right after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the brewery mogul whose passing sets off a chain of events that could either elevate or destroy the Guinness empire. The story follows his four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—as they navigate family secrets, political tensions, and the massive responsibility of running one of Europe’s most successful businesses.
The series doesn’t claim to be a documentary. Instead, it takes inspiration from real events and fills in the dramatic gaps with Knight’s signature storytelling style. What emerges is a show that feels both historically grounded and thoroughly modern in its approach to family dynamics and power struggles.
Critical Reception and Ratings
The house of guinness reviews from critics have been overwhelmingly positive. The series currently holds an impressive 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critic reviews, with many praising its production values and compelling performances. On IMDb, House of Guinness maintains a solid 7.4/10 rating from over 5,500 user votes, indicating strong audience appreciation.
Metacritic scores place the series at 73 out of 100, categorizing it as “generally favorable reviews”. Critics have described it as “overflowing with dynastic intrigue” and noted that it “goes down smooth like a silky pint”.
Performance and Audience Response
The series debuted on September 25, 2025, with all eight episodes available for immediate binge-watching. Netflix subscribers across the United States found themselves drawn into the Dublin-based family saga, with many viewers completing the entire season in one sitting.
Cast Performance Breakdown
The house of guinness ensemble cast delivers performances that range from compelling to surprising, according to multiple reviews. Here’s how the main players stack up:
| Actor | Character | Performance Highlights |
| Anthony Boyle | Arthur Guinness | Described as a “scene stealer” with volatile charm |
| Louis Partridge | Edward Guinness | Shows impressive range as the earnest, business-minded brother |
| James Norton | Sean Rafferty | Praised for bringing grit and authenticity to the foreman role |
| Emily Fairn | Anne Plunket | Delivers strong performance despite limited screen time |
Anthony Boyle, in particular, has received widespread praise for his portrayal of Arthur Guinness. Critics note his ability to balance charm with volatility, making Arthur both likable and unpredictable. Louis Partridge surprised many viewers with his mature performance as Edward, especially considering he’s only 22 years old in real life.
Standout Elements That Set It Apart
Visual and Production Design
Critics consistently praise House of Guinness for its stunning visual presentation. The set design receives particular acclaim, with detailed decorations that transport viewers directly into 19th-century Dublin. The costumes and cinematography work together to create an authentic period atmosphere that enhances the storytelling.
Modern Musical Choices
One of the most talked-about aspects of the series is its bold soundtrack choices. Knight incorporates modern music, including tracks from Irish bands like Fontaines DC and Kneecap, into the period setting. While some viewers find this anachronistic approach jarring, others appreciate how it energizes the narrative and makes the historical story feel immediate and relevant.
The musical choices have divided audiences. Some house of guinness reviews praise the “great music” and “amazing soundtrack,” while others complain that “using modern tunes in a period drama is just gross”. This creative decision appears to be intentional, with Knight using contemporary sounds to bridge the gap between past and present.
Pacing and Storytelling
Most critics agree that House of Guinness starts slowly but builds momentum effectively. Several reviews mention that while the first couple of episodes may feel sluggish, the series “really picks up” and becomes increasingly engaging. The eight-episode format allows for character development without overstaying its welcome.
Comparisons to Peaky Blinders
Given Steven Knight’s involvement, comparisons to Peaky Blinders are inevitable. Critics and audiences have noted similarities in visual style, pacing, and Knight’s signature approach to historical drama. However, most reviewers emphasize that House of Guinness should be judged on its own merits rather than as a direct successor to the Birmingham-based series.
Key differences from Peaky Blinders include:
- Less focus on working-class characters and more on wealthy family dynamics
- Irish political tensions rather than post-World War I English society
- Brewing industry politics instead of organized crime
- More emphasis on legitimate business operations versus illegal activities
What Critics Are Saying
Positive Reviews
Variety describes the series as having “tremendous production values” and being “energetic, racy and above all else irresistible”. Collider notes that it “boasts all the best traits that the screenwriter has become known for” with “an unmistakably Irish identity”.
The Guardian reportedly gave the series a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, though some audience members questioned this high rating. NME characterized it as “Peaky Blinders does Succession” while acknowledging it “lacks the swaggering drive of his Brummie gangster smash”.
Mixed and Critical Responses
Not all house of guinness reviews have been entirely positive. The Hollywood Reporter suggests the series offers “frothy fun and not much substance,” while Film Stories argues that it “might be frothy, but it lacks the smoothness of a proper pint”.
Some critics point out pacing issues in the latter half of the season, with Variety noting that “by Episode 5, the series begins to feel drawn out and repetitive”. Others have criticized character development, particularly for Anne and Ben, who receive less screen time than their brothers.
Historical Accuracy vs. Entertainment Value
House of Guinness openly acknowledges that it prioritizes entertainment over strict historical accuracy. The series takes real people and events as a starting point but fills in dramatic details where historical records are sparse.
Real historical elements include:
- The death of Sir Benjamin Guinness in 1868
- The joint inheritance of Arthur and Edward Guinness
- Political tensions in 1860s Ireland
- The family’s Protestant background and unionist politics
- The massive scale of the Guinness brewing operation
Fictional elements likely include:
- Specific family conflicts and personal relationships
- Many of the dramatic confrontations and plot twists
- Some supporting characters and their storylines
- The extent of political violence depicted
Audience Reactions on Social Media
Social media responses to house of guinness have been notably mixed. Twitter users have shared contrasting opinions, with some calling it “a captivating story about brothers and the intricacies of leading a prestigious dynasty,” while others found it “a big meh” with “plain uninteresting” character arcs.
Positive audience comments include:
- “8 GLORIOUS episodes SPECTACULARLY flew by”
- “Easy to watch, great set design and costumes”
- “Very entertaining and worth a watch”
- “Totally worth the time”
Critical audience responses mention:
- Concerns about historical accuracy
- Dislike of modern music in period settings
- Feeling that characters lack depth
- Comparison fatigue with Peaky Blinders
Season 2 Prospects and Future
While Netflix hasn’t officially announced a second season, series creator Steven Knight has expressed enthusiasm about continuing the story. He mentioned wanting to “take it on all the way into the 20th century” in a perfect world. The first season ends on a cliffhanger, clearly setting up potential future storylines.
The series’ strong critical reception and solid audience ratings suggest good prospects for renewal, though Netflix typically waits to assess viewership data before making official announcements.
Technical and Production Highlights
Filming Locations and Authenticity
House of Guinness was filmed across multiple locations including Dublin, Liverpool, Stockport, and Cheshire. This variety of locations helps create the authentic 19th-century Irish atmosphere that critics have consistently praised.
Episode Structure and Runtime
The series consists of eight episodes, each running between 49 and 55 minutes. This format allows for substantial character development while maintaining the binge-watching appeal that modern audiences expect.
FAQs
Is the House of Guinness inspired by real events?
House of Guinness is inspired by true stories but takes significant creative liberties. While real historical figures and events form the foundation, much of the drama is fictional or speculative.
How does House of Guinness compare to Peaky Blinders?
While both series share Steven Knight’s distinctive style and historical setting, House of Guinness focuses on wealthy Irish brewing family dynamics rather than working-class English gangsters. Critics suggest it lacks some of Peaky Blinders’ swagger but offers its own compelling story.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for House of Guinness?
House of Guinness currently holds an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, indicating widespread critical acclaim.
When was the House of Guinness release date?
The house of guinness release date was September 25, 2025, with all eight episodes available simultaneously on Netflix.
Will the House of Guinness have a Season 2?
Netflix hasn’t officially announced a second season, but creator Steven Knight has expressed interest in continuing the story. The first season ends with a cliffhanger, suggesting more episodes are planned.
How accurate is House of Guinness historically?
The series prioritizes entertainment over strict historical accuracy. While it features real people and events from 1868 Dublin, many dramatic elements are fictional or speculative interpretations of limited historical records.