New Netflix period drama gets 86% Rotten Tomatoes score within hours of release

Critics have given positive reviews to Netflix's latest period drama, with some calling it "compelling" and a series with a "flair for dramatic cinematography." Netflix released its latest drama on Thursday, which was made by the creator of Peaky Blinders. The show has been teased for months and has finally become available for Netflix UK subscribers. While it has only been out since this morning, it has gained an impressive 86% Rotten Tomatoes score in a matter of hours.

House of Guinness consists of eight episodes and features a star-studded cast, including James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Anthony Boyle, and Niamh McCormack. Set in 1860s Dublin, it follows the Guinness family as Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the success of the iconic Irish drink, has died. His four children are left behind, and they each have dark secrets to hide as the fate of the brewery is in their hands.

Guinness was invented by Arthur Guinness in 1759, with the original brewery still in operation in Dublin today, along with a dedicated museum. This series takes place decades after Arthur died, following the family as the beverage booms in popularity around the globe.

Created by the same mind behind Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, expectations were high for House of Guinness. Many of the reviews for the series have been positive so far. However, some were less favourable.

One review reads: "House of Guinness is far from a stuffy period drama. With a soundtrack full of Irish punk classics, a young, attractive cast, and a flair for dramatic cinematography, stout has never looked sexier."

Another said: "It's bolstered by a terrific cast giving performances that range from compelling to surprising, a keen sense of identity, and a bold approach to its soundtrack and subtitling that frankly feels like a breath of fresh air."

A third reads: "The influence of Peaky Blinders is unavoidable, but House of Guinness avoids comparisons despite sharing a creator. However, Steven Knight embraces every element of 19th-century Ireland and delivers something truly memorable in the process."

One negative review said: "House of Guinness might be frothy, but it lacks the smoothness of a proper pint."

House of Guinness is among the many new titles added to Netflix in recent days. Subscribers in the UK have also been treated to season 3 of Alice in Borderland, Signs (2002) and the three Godfather movies.