James Norton’s Gripping Period Drama ‘House of Guinness’ Hits Netflix
Netflix has unveiled its latest historical drama, House of Guinness, and it’s already causing a stir.
From the mind behind Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight delivers a period drama set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, chronicling the rise and turmoil of the Guinness family, the very ones behind Ireland’s iconic beer.
The story begins after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, a man who transformed the family brewery into a global powerhouse, became Ireland’s wealthiest man, and served as Dublin’s first Lord Mayor.
His passing and the stipulations of his will send shockwaves through his four children, altering the course of their lives.
Add in a mix of business rivals and ambitious outsiders, and you’ve got a tale that feels a bit like Succession… but with pints.
The series stars James Norton (Happy Valley), alongside Fionn O’Shea (Handsome Devil), Dervla Kirwan (Smother), Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air), Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes), Emily Fairn (The Responder), and Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones).
As Norton explains, “[The show’s] got beer. It’s got this eccentric family. We’ve got these Steven Knight characters all kind of jostling and playing, fighting, f**king. It’s just, like, really exciting!”
He added that his co-stars helped him master his accent and that he “had a ball” filming the series.
“It’s an amazing group of people, a lot of Irish actors, lots of Guinness, I’m the only non-Irish interloper who ironically is playing the most Irish of them all, I’ve got to be as Dubs as they come,” Norton said.
He also teased Knight’s “at his absolute best” and “firing on all cylinders” approach to the drama.
This isn’t Norton’s first historical venture. He recently appeared in the BBC’s King & Conqueror, portraying Harold Godwinson, an ally of Edward the Confessor who later stakes his own claim to the throne.
Now, in House of Guinness, Norton immerses himself in the eccentric world of Dublin’s brewing elite.
The full series of House of Guinness is available to watch on Netflix. With its blend of literal conspiracy, family drama, and strong performances, it’s one period drama UK cults won’t want to miss.
