Get ready for a gritty and intense journey into London’s criminal underworld as Steven Knight, the creator of the beloved Peaky Blinders, brings us his latest historical crime drama, A Thousand Blows. Set in the 1880s, the series plunges viewers into the heart of London’s East End, where danger lurks around every corner.
The story centers around two friends from Jamaica, Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec (Francis Lovehall), who find themselves thrust into the brutal reality of London’s criminal underworld. Their fight for survival leads them to cross paths with Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), the leader of an all-female gang, and unfortunately, they also catch the attention of Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), a dangerous criminal kingpin. Sugar’s ruthlessness, reflected in his skill as an illegal boxer, makes him a formidable enemy.
The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Ziggy Heath, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce, Tom Davis, and Ella Lily Hyland, alongside the aforementioned Graham, Kirby, Lovehall, and Doherty. The first two episodes premiered at this year’s London Film Festival, giving viewers a taste of the intense drama and gripping action to come.
Knight, known for his compelling storytelling and ability to create immersive worlds, is currently one of the busiest creators in Hollywood. In 2024, he’s set to release two highly anticipated projects: the Elisabeth Moss-led FX espionage thriller The Veil and Pablo Larraín’s new Angelina Jolie-starring Oscar contender Maria.
But 2025 promises to be an even bigger year for Knight. In addition to the premiere of A Thousand Blows on Hulu, Netflix is gearing up to release his long-awaited feature film follow-up to Peaky Blinders, titled The Immortal Man. Filming began in late September with Heart of Stone director Tom Harper at the helm and Cillian Murphy, reprising his role as Tommy Shelby, leading the cast. The film also features an impressive ensemble including Graham, Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghan, and Tim Roth, with a screenplay penned by Knight.
The anticipation surrounding The Immortal Man is palpable, and with the promising first trailer for A Thousand Blows, it seems like Knight has another potential smash hit on his hands. The series, with its raw energy, thrilling plotlines, and compelling characters, promises to deliver the same addictive qualities that made Peaky Blinders a global phenomenon. A Thousand Blows is definitely one of the most promising TV titles to look out for in 2025.
