I've already watched House of Guinness - it's Peaky Blinders meets Succession

House of Guinness is one of the most highly-anticipated series of the year, and I can confrim that it has been worth the wait.

Steven Knight has done it again, this time delving into the story behind the internationally loved beer. In a twist of Peaky Blinders meets Succession fate, the series focuses on four siblings in the wake of their fathers - and the patriarch of the family businesses' - passing, as they scramble with uncertainties to be revealed in his will, including the appointment of power, inheritance and demand.

Themes of family, power, loyalty, and the darker aspects of the brewing giant come to the surface throughout the eight episode exploration that was first penned by Guinness descendant Ivana Lowell stating that the series is inspired by real events.

Lowell was first inspired while watching an episode of Downton Abbey, when she thought to herself 'our family history was a lot juicier and more interesting than this - plus it was all true', she told the BBC.

And so, she wrote a 20-page television treatment that Knight, who has created a number of successful series including SAS Rogue Heroes, has brought to life. An acknowledgement of Lowell's work runs during the credits reads: "Based on an idea by Ivana Lowell."

The series synopsis reads: "House of Guinness follows the four adult children of Sir Benjamin Guinness after his death in 1868, focusing on the consequences of his cunning will on their lives and the fate of the Guinness brewery. Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the story explores the family's intertwined fates, the challenges of maintaining the empire, and the impact on the workers and residents of Dublin."

As someone who, like many, did not know any of the history of the brewing dynasty, House of Guinness provides a rich, eccentric and scandal-fuelled viewing experience that is both a visual and audio treat.

The modern rock soundtrack comprising songs by Fontaines DC, Kneecap and more adds excitement and drama to the enjoyably slow burning series, which feels reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys soundtracking in Peaky Blinders.
why it is like succession - the family is scrambling in the death of the patriarch.

House of Guinness stars Louis Partridge, Anthony Boyle, Emily Fairn and Fionn O'Shea in the roles of the siblings, each facing their own struggles and inner demons. Normal People's O'Shea is particularly notable in his role of Benjamin Guinness, bringing grit and angst to his character.

James Norton stars as Mr Rafferty, the ruthless family fixer, and is absolutely excellent, in fact, it is my favourite performance of his to date and his accent is quite convincing.

Having only watched the first half of the series, I am more than looking forward to catching the rest as everyone begins to become entralled in the House of Guinness. This period drama is certain to get people talking, with its grand yet gritty feel, stellar cast line-up and outstanding soundtrack.

House of Guinness is available to stream now on Netflix.