Tom Hardy’s Work of Genius BBC Period Drama With a 91% Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Could Rise Again After Almost a Decade — And Fans Say TV Has Never Needed It More! His brooding, brutal BBC period drama — long hailed as a “work of genius” — could be edging closer to a long-awaited return. First gripping audiences with its savage intensity, shadowy conspiracies, and Hardy’s feral, unforgettable performance, the series became an instant cult obsession and went on to earn a staggering 91% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in a world of corruption, power, and moral decay, the drama left viewers haunted — and desperate for more — when it vanished from screens. Now, nearly ten years later, hope is flickering again that this dark masterpiece isn’t finished yet. If it does return, fans believe it could reclaim its crown as one of the most fearless and unforgettable period dramas the BBC has ever made.

“Well, Tom and I have talked about it, and I think we know what we would do,” he told RadioTimes.com. “It’s just finding the space. But I’d love to, I get asked about it – especially in the States, actually – I get asked about it a lot.”

Leading star Tom has a personal link to the show as his father, author Chips Hardy, is a co-creator, writer and consulting producer on the drama.

This isn’t the first time Steven has shared his hopes for the show’s return. Back in 2022, during an appearance at the Creative Cities Convention in Digbeth, Birmingham, the Peaky Blinders creator predicted that production on season two would begin in late 2023.

“[Tom and I] are both keen to continue and there are lots of people who want us to continue in that direction,” he said, adding: “It’s been a question of schedules and deciding where it goes next.”

Fans have continuously called for a second season of the show, which found a second life after arriving on Netflix in 2022 and is still available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

It’s hard to say whether the second season will go into production any time soon. If the drama’s return relies on finding space in Steven and Tom’s busy schedules, then fans could be waiting a little while. ges

The story follows adventurer James Keziah Delaney, who returns to London from Africa as a changed and haunted man. The story follows James as he’s encircled by conspiracy, murder and betrayal

James, who has been presumed dead for years, returns home to find his father, Horace Delaney, dead and a country at war with France and the United States, according to the synopsis.

It continues: “Set to inherit what’s left of his father’s shipping empire, James’ arrival not only threatens to disrupt the plans of his half‐sister Zilpha and her husband Thorne, but also the political ambitions of the mighty East India Company, chaired by Sir Stuart Strange.”

The show was met with positive reviews from critics and viewers, earning a 91% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, The Guardian described the show as a work of genius.