The wait is finally over for fans of period dramas and historical sagas. House of Guinness premiered on Netflix on September 25, 2025, with all eight episodes available to stream immediately. Created by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight, this sumptuous historical drama takes viewers deep into the heart of 19th-century Dublin, where power, privilege, and family legacy collide in spectacular fashion.
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House of Guinness Release Date: When Did It Premiere?
| Release Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Release Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Total Episodes | 8 Episodes |
| Episode Length | Approximately 50-55 minutes each |
| Release Format | All episodes dropped at once |
| Availability Time | 12:00 AM PT / 3:00 AM ET |
House of Guinness Release Date was strategically positioned for maximum impact, allowing viewers to binge-watch the entire first season over a single weekend. Netflix released all eight episodes simultaneously, following the streaming giant’s preferred model for prestige dramas that encourage complete immersion into complex storylines.
What Is House of Guinness About?
Set against the backdrop of 1860s Dublin and New York, House of Guinness explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties. The series begins immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for transforming the family brewery into a global phenomenon.
The story centers on the tumultuous aftermath of Benjamin’s death and the shocking contents of his will, which dramatically impacts the fate of his four adult children: Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben. As the siblings grapple with their inheritance, they must navigate sibling rivalry, political upheaval, romantic entanglements, and the ever-present threat of Irish rebellion.
Creator Steven Knight explained that the series captures the extraordinary challenge facing the young Guinness heirs who inherited the world’s biggest brewery. Their dual mandate was simple yet daunting: don’t destroy what their father built, and make Guinness even bigger on the global stage.
Complete Episode List for House of Guinness
| Episode | Title | Runtime | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Episode 1 | 52 minutes | Sir Benjamin’s funeral day arrives as trouble brews on Dublin’s streets and his children plot their futures |
| Episode 2 | Episode 2 | 55 minutes | The will divides the siblings – two receive everything, two receive nothing, leaving all dissatisfied |
| Episode 3 | Episode 3 | 55 minutes | Anne suffers trauma while Arthur proposes, Edward reforms the brewery, and Benjamin strikes out independently |
| Episode 4 | Episode 4 | 55 minutes | Dublin society attends Arthur’s wedding with unexpected guests as Benjamin supports Edward’s expansion |
| Episode 5 | Episode 5 | 55 minutes | Arthur’s political ambitions crumble as Rafferty comforts his wife and Byron makes a pivotal promise |
| Episode 6 | Episode 6 | 55 minutes | Ellen desperately seeks Edward’s help while Adelaide sees him differently during a Cloonboo visit |
| Episode 7 | Episode 7 | 55 minutes | Social housing construction begins as Edward and Arthur pledge to prioritize brewery and family over personal desires |
| Episode 8 | Episode 8 | 55 minutes | Election day brings a familiar face back to Dublin as Arthur faces mounting danger in his campaign |
The eight-episode structure allows House of Guinness to unfold its intricate plot with deliberate pacing, giving viewers time to understand the complex relationships and historical context that shaped this legendary family.
Meet the House of Guinness Cast
Main Cast Members
Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness The eldest Guinness son, Arthur is Eton-educated and returns from London to discover his fate is permanently intertwined with his brother’s. Arthur is politically ambitious, volatile, and more interested in London’s pleasures than brewery management. Boyle previously starred in Masters of the Air, Say Nothing, and earned a Tony nomination for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness The principled younger brother who has spent years preparing to run the family business. Edward is business-minded, confident, and rarely distracted by the finery that accompanies the Guinness name. Partridge rose to fame in Enola Holmes and has appeared in Disclaimer and Pistol.
Emily Fairn as Anne Plunket (née Guinness) The only daughter, Anne is passionate about philanthropy and works tirelessly to help Dublin’s sick and poor. As a woman in a man’s world, she faces unique challenges regarding her inheritance and independence. Fairn previously impressed audiences in The Responder and Black Mirror.
Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin Guinness The youngest Guinness sibling who decides to forge his own path separate from the brewery. O’Shea is best known for his role in Normal People.
Supporting Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| James Norton | Sean Rafferty | Charismatic brewery foreman who serves as muscle for the Guinness family |
| Dervla Kirwan | Aunt Agnes Guinness | Sharp-witted matriarch and marriage fixer |
| Jack Gleeson | Byron Hedges | Illegitimate Guinness family member with connections to the Fenians |
| Niamh McCormack | Ellen Cochrane | Irish revolutionary who trades in secrets rather than violence |
| Seamus O’Hara | Patrick Cochrane | Ellen’s brother and Fenian Brotherhood member |
| Michael McElhatton | John Potter | Loyal and refined Guinness family servant |
| Danielle Galligan | Lady Olivia Hedges | Penniless heiress who becomes Arthur’s bride |
| David Wilmot | Bonnie Champion | Dock worker with connections everywhere |
| Ann Skelly | Adelaide Guinness | Member of the extended Guinness family |
James Norton’s portrayal of Sean Rafferty has been singled out as particularly compelling. Creator Steven Knight described Rafferty as “one of the most extraordinary aspects of this series,” noting that his relationship with the family depicts how modern the story actually is.
The Creative Team Behind House of Guinness
Netflix partnered with prestigious production companies Kudos and Nebulastar to bring this ambitious project to life. The series boasts an impressive creative lineup:
- Creator/Writer: Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, SAS Rogue Heroes)
- Directors: Tom Shankland (Episodes 1-5), Mounia Akl (Episodes 6-8)
- Executive Producers: Steven Knight, Karen Wilson, Elinor Day, Martin Haines, Tom Shankland, Ivana Lowell
- Series Producer: Cahal Bannon
- Producer: Howard Burch
Filming took place across multiple locations in the UK and Ireland, including Cheshire, Dublin, Stockport, and Liverpool during summer 2024. The production team meticulously recreated 19th-century Dublin, from the brewery’s industrial grandeur to the elegant mansions of Ireland’s aristocracy.
House of Guinness Trailer: What to Expect
The official trailer for House of Guinness dropped in early September 2025, offering viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the drama ahead. The two-and-a-half-minute preview showcases:
- The reading of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s controversial will
- Intense confrontations between the competing siblings
- Romantic entanglements and political intrigue
- Explosive violence and gunfire on Dublin’s streets
- The brewing Irish rebellion threatening the Guinness empire
- Stunning period costumes and lavish production design
Knight emphasized that the will becomes the catalyst for everything that follows, noting there’s no better place to start a drama than with a deceased father determining his children’s fates. The trailer makes clear that none of the siblings are happy with what they receive, setting up sustained conflict throughout the season.
Historical Accuracy and Creative License
While House of Guinness draws inspiration from the real Guinness family dynasty, creator Steven Knight took significant creative liberties with the historical record. The series uses real family members, their achievements, and mistakes as “stepping stones,” but fills in narrative gaps with fictional drama.
Knight acknowledged that researching 19th-century figures presents unique challenges since there are no social media profiles or detailed personal records. His approach involved imagining the characters these historical figures might have been based on their documented actions and legacy.
Interestingly, the series includes historically accurate details like the famous Guinness harp logo, which is based on the 14-string “Brian Boru” harp. Guinness trademarked this symbol in 1876, nearly 30 years before the Irish government adopted it as the official national emblem. Because Guinness claimed the trademark first, the government had to reverse the harp’s direction when using it officially.
Critical Reception and Viewer Response
House of Guinness has received generally positive reviews since its Netflix debut. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an 87% approval rating based on 30 critic reviews, indicating strong critical consensus.
Viewers have praised the series for its:
- Compelling performances, particularly from James Norton and Emily Fairn
- Stunning cinematography and production design
- Complex character development and family dynamics
- Knight’s signature stylistic flourishes reminiscent of Peaky Blinders
However, some criticism has emerged regarding the anachronistic modern music soundtrack, which includes hip-hop and contemporary beats that some viewers feel clash with the 19th-century setting. Additionally, some Irish viewers noted that the series doesn’t fully capture an authentically “Irish” perspective, given the Guinness family’s historical association with English aristocracy and opposition to Irish nationalism.
How to Watch House of Guinness on Netflix
Accessing House of Guinness is straightforward for Netflix subscribers worldwide. The series is available in multiple regions with various subscription options:
Netflix Subscription Tiers:
- Standard with Ads: $7.99/month
- Standard (Ad-Free): $17.99/month
- Premium: $22.99/month (includes 4K Ultra HD)
Notably, Netflix included Irish language subtitles with the release—the first time the streaming platform has offered this feature for one of its titles, acknowledging the series’ cultural significance and Irish heritage.
Will There Be a Season 2 of House of Guinness?
While Netflix has not officially announced a renewal, creator Steven Knight has expressed ambitious plans for the series’ future. In interviews, Knight revealed his intention to continue the Guinness family saga across multiple seasons, potentially spanning from the 1860s all the way to the 1960s.
Knight told the Irish Mirror: “We are going to do season 2, and 3, and 4. Yes absolutely, we are going to do this all the way to the 1960s.” He emphasized that even a cursory glance at Guinness family history reveals enough dramatic material to sustain several seasons.
The first season ends on a dramatic cliffhanger involving a gunshot aimed at Arthur Guinness—an event that never occurred in real history but sets up potential conflict for future seasons. This bold narrative choice suggests Knight is committed to telling a long-form story rather than a limited series.
Why House of Guinness Matters
Beyond entertainment value, House of Guinness offers insight into Ireland’s complex relationship with one of its most famous exports. The Guinness family occupied a unique position in Irish society—wealthy, powerful, and Protestant in a predominantly Catholic country experiencing political upheaval.
The series explores themes that remain relevant today:
- Family legacy and succession: How do children honor their parents’ achievements while forging their own paths?
- Gender inequality: Anne’s struggle for recognition in a male-dominated world resonates with contemporary discussions
- Class conflict: The tension between wealthy industrialists and working-class laborers mirrors ongoing economic debates
- National identity: Questions about who truly represents Ireland and Irish interests remain contentious
By situating these universal themes within a specific historical moment, House of Guinness creates a compelling drama that educates while entertaining.
Comparing House of Guinness to Peaky Blinders
Given Steven Knight’s involvement, comparisons between House of Guinness and his previous masterpiece Peaky Blinders are inevitable. Both series share:
- Period settings featuring industrial empires
- Complex family dynamics at the center
- Stylized violence and political intrigue
- Anachronistic musical choices
- Visually stunning cinematography
However, House of Guinness distinguishes itself through its focus on legitimate aristocracy rather than criminal enterprise. While the Shelby family in Peaky Blinders clawed their way up from Birmingham’s streets, the Guinnesses start from a position of established power and must work to maintain it.
The stakes feel different too—the Guinnesses risk losing their reputation and fortune, while the Shelbys often risked their lives. This creates a different dramatic tension that some viewers may find more relatable, as it explores the pressure of inherited expectations rather than the desperation of survival.
The Guinness Brand Today
The timing of House of Guinness is particularly interesting given the continued global success of Guinness beer. The brand remains one of the world’s most recognizable beverages, sold in over 150 countries and synonymous with Irish culture worldwide.
The series offers viewers context for understanding how the Guinness name became such a powerful cultural force. By dramatizing the family’s 19th-century challenges—expanding internationally, managing labor relations, navigating political turmoil—the show illuminates the foundation upon which the modern brand was built.
Final Verdict: Is House of Guinness Worth Watching?
For fans of historical dramas, family sagas, or Steven Knight’s previous work, House of Guinness delivers compelling entertainment. The series successfully balances intimate character drama with sweeping historical context, creating a rich tapestry that rewards attention.
The stellar cast brings depth to their roles, particularly the nuanced performances from Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge as the dueling brothers. The production values are exceptional, transporting viewers convincingly to 19th-century Ireland with meticulous attention to detail.
While the modern soundtrack may prove divisive and some viewers might wish for a more authentically Irish perspective, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise impressive production. The eight-episode format provides enough runtime to develop the story properly without overstaying its welcome.
With the House of Guinness Release Date now behind us and all episodes available on Netflix, there’s never been a better time to pour yourself a pint and settle in for this intoxicating family drama.
Read More: Junior OTT Release Date 2025: Kireeti Reddy’s Debut Film Now Streaming on Multiple Platforms
FAQs
When is the House of Guinness Release Date on Netflix?
House of Guinness premiered on Netflix on September 25, 2025. All eight episodes were released simultaneously, allowing viewers to watch the entire first season at their own pace. The series became available at 12:00 AM Pacific Time (3:00 AM Eastern Time) on the release date.
How many episodes are in House of Guinness Season 1?
The first season of House of Guinness consists of eight episodes, each running approximately 50-55 minutes. All episodes were released at once on Netflix, following the platform’s binge-watch model for prestige dramas rather than a weekly release schedule.
Who are the main cast members in House of Guinness?
The main cast includes Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness, Emily Fairn as Anne Plunket, and Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin Guinness. The series also features James Norton as Sean Rafferty, Dervla Kirwan as Aunt Agnes, Jack Gleeson as Byron Hedges, and an ensemble of talented Irish and British actors.
Is House of Guinness based on a true story?
Yes, House of Guinness is inspired by the real Guinness family dynasty and their famous brewing empire in 19th-century Ireland. However, creator Steven Knight took significant creative liberties with the historical record, using real family members and events as inspiration while adding fictional drama to fill in narrative gaps and create compelling television.
Will there be a House of Guinness Season 2?
While Netflix has not officially announced a renewal, creator Steven Knight has expressed strong interest in continuing the series for multiple seasons. He has stated his intention to follow the Guinness family story from the 1860s through the 1960s, potentially spanning seasons 2, 3, and 4. An official announcement is expected after Netflix evaluates viewership data from Season 1.
