Peaky Blinders (2013 — 2022)

Created by Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) is a British period crime drama set in Birmingham during the aftermath of World War I. The show follows the notorious exploits of a gang bearing the same name, loosely inspired by a real urban youth gang from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The series centers around a family with mixed Irish Traveller and Romani roots, situated in Birmingham, England, just months after the end of the war. Led by their cunning and ambitious boss Tommy Shelby, the Peaky Blinders gang capture the attention of Major Chester Campbell, a detective chief inspector dispatched from Belfast by Winston Churchill to address various issues including the Irish Republican Army flying columns, Communist Party of Great Britain, street gangs, and common criminals. In the second series, the Peaky Blinders expand their criminal empire beyond their Birmingham stronghold, venturing into the North and South. This installment, which spans from 1921 to Derby Day on May 31st, 1922, sees them face thrilling conflicts at Epsom racecourse.

Then in the third series, set in 1924, Tommy and his crew continue their dangerous rise by going global. Along with new characters like anti-communist Father John Hughes, artist Ruben Oliver (hired by Polly for a portrait), Russian Grand Duchess Tatiana Petrovna, and Arthur’s new wife Linda Shelby; this season promises even more intense action. The fourth series starts on Christmas Eve 1925, when the Peaky Blinders receive news that Luca Changretta, leader of the New York Mafia, is seeking revenge for his father’s murder in the previous series. It concludes after the general strike of May 1926, with Tommy using communist leader Jessie Eden to gather information and eventually becoming a Member of Parliament in 1927. Moving forward two years, the fifth series covers the period from 29 October 1929 (Black Tuesday) to 7 December 1929, following a rally led by Sir Oswald Mosley. The sixth series begins on 5 December 1933, coinciding with the repeal of prohibition in the United States. As Mosley’s British Union of Fascists gains popularity due to the rise of Nazi power in Germany, Tommy must navigate not only his rivalry with Mosley but also various schemes from the Irish Mob and Anti-Treaty IRA.