What Is Peaky Blinders About?
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama set in Birmingham, England, shortly after World War I. It centers around the Shelby family, a street gang that transforms into a powerful crime syndicate. Thomas Shelby leads the family with a mix of intelligence, ruthlessness, and quiet intensity. He is a former soldier who turns his battlefield instincts into tools for business and politics.
Who Created Peaky Blinders?
The series was created by Steven Knight, who drew inspiration from real-life gangs that operated in Birmingham in the early 20th century. While the real Peaky Blinders existed, the Shelby family is fictional, crafted to anchor a larger story of class, power, and post-war trauma.
Why Cillian Murphy’s Role as Thomas Shelby Stands Out
Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby is widely praised. He plays the role with a quiet menace and emotional control that sets the tone for the entire series. The character is complex — calculated but wounded, strategic yet haunted. Murphy changed his physical appearance, accent, and demeanor to fully inhabit the role. His signature undercut haircut even started a global trend.
Cultural Impact
Peaky Blinders has had a major cultural footprint. It influenced men's fashion, with flat caps and tailored suits making a comeback. The show's soundtrack, featuring modern artists like Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys, added a fresh edge to the period setting. It blurred the lines between historical drama and contemporary style in a way few shows have pulled off.
Is Peaky Blinders Still Going?
The TV series concluded with its sixth season in 2022. However, a Peaky Blinders movie is in development. Creator Steven Knight has confirmed that the film will wrap up the remaining storylines, and Cillian Murphy is expected to return as Thomas Shelby.
Where to Watch Peaky Blinders
- UK viewers: Available on BBC iPlayer
- International viewers: Streaming on Netflix
Summary
Cillian Murphy plays Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, a British crime drama set in post-WWI Birmingham. The series follows the rise of the Shelby family from local gang to national power players, with Murphy's performance at the center of it all. Created by Steven Knight, the show blends historical grit with modern style, and ran for six critically acclaimed seasons between 2013 and 2022. It’s available to stream on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, with a feature film in development to continue the story.
