Following the highly anticipated release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, fans of the gritty crime saga are being directed towards another compelling television masterpiece. The BBC's crime thriller Taboo, which has been hailed by critics and viewers alike as one of the finest shows of the past two decades, offers a similarly dark and immersive experience.
The Return of Tommy Shelby
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premiered on Friday, March 20, 2026, bringing back the iconic character Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. The film is set during the height of World War II and follows Tommy as he is forced out of retirement after his son, Duke Shelby, played by Barry Keoghan, becomes entangled in a dangerous Nazi plot.
Early reactions from audiences have been overwhelmingly positive, with the film achieving an impressive score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. One enthusiastic fan on the platform described it as "an epic story", capturing the essence of what makes the Peaky Blinders franchise so beloved.
Discovering Taboo: A Gothic Masterpiece
For those seeking another series that delves into similar themes of revenge, conspiracy, and dark atmospheres, Taboo is the ideal next watch. This eight-part drama, available for streaming on both Netflix and BBC iPlayer, transports viewers to 19th century London.
Plot and Characters
The story centres on James Keziah Delaney, an adventurer who was presumed dead after a journey to Africa. His unexpected return to London is driven by the inheritance of his late father's shipping empire. However, his homecoming is fraught with challenges, as enemies are determined to make his life in England a living hell.
Simultaneously, James is on a personal quest for vengeance regarding his father's death, which unravels into a larger, more sinister conspiracy. The series is led by Tom Hardy, who not only stars as James Delaney but also co-created the story with his father, author Chips Hardy. They collaborated with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Steven Knight to bring this gripping narrative to life.
The supporting cast includes recent Oscar winner Jessie Buckley and Game of Thrones actress Oona Chaplin, adding depth and talent to the production.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
Taboo has garnered widespread praise from viewers, with many highlighting its exceptional quality. On Rotten Tomatoes, one user crowned it "one of the best series last 20 years", while another simply labelled it "excellent".
Further reviews emphasise the show's unique appeal. A fan noted, "Wow, one of the best TV shows I've ever seen. Need a second season desperately. Love the gritty and dark depiction of 19th century London. Setting and atmosphere really made the show, interesting plot as well."
Another viewer raved, "Best Gothic mystery horror I've seen in a long time. Visceral. Dark. Makes you feel uncomfortable and immerses you in the story, like a morbid sight one cannot look away. 5 emphatic stars for any horror genre buff or person who enjoys mystery, magic, might and political intrigue."
With its rich storytelling, atmospheric setting, and stellar performances, Taboo stands out as a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed the intense drama of Peaky Blinders. It is currently streaming on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, offering a perfect weekend binge for crime drama enthusiasts.
