Taboo: Tom Hardy's Dark Historical Thriller

While a Peaky Blinders movie cameo may have been cut, Tom Hardy’s collaboration with Steven Knight extends to another acclaimed historical crime drama: Taboo. Released in 2017, the eight-episode miniseries continues to resonate with audiences nearly a decade later.

A Gothic Vision of 19th-Century London

Taboo distinguishes itself from Knight’s other works, like Peaky Blinders and House of Guinness, by focusing on London during a period of pre-Victorian empire expansion. The show is characterized by its brooding visuals, meticulous period details, and stylized depiction of criminal activity within a turbulent Britain.

James Delaney: A Mysterious Return

Tom Hardy gives a standout performance as James Keziah Delaney, a man returning to London after 12 years spent in West Africa, reportedly among the Ashanti people of modern-day Ghana. He arrives as an enigmatic figure, feared for his willingness to transgress moral boundaries.

The East India Company's Shadow

Much of the series centers on Delaney’s conflicts with the East India Company (EIC), the world’s largest corporate entity at the time. The line between the EIC and London’s criminal underworld is often blurred, with the company wielding immense power and influence.

Why 'Taboo' Remains Compelling

For fans of Tom Hardy, Steven Knight, or the history of the British Empire, Taboo is a must-watch. Hardy portrays a character who is intensely unpredictable and seemingly capable of anything. Delaney challenges the established order and exposes the crimes committed in the name of empire.

The show masterfully blends fact and fiction, exemplified by Jonathan Pryce’s chilling portrayal of Sir Stuart Strange, chairman of the East India Company. Despite its dramatization, Taboo feels grounded in historical truth.

The Status of Season 2

A second season of Taboo was initially announced shortly after the first season concluded, but progress has stalled for nearly a decade. However, Steven Knight recently confirmed in January 2026 that he and Tom Hardy have a clear vision for a new season.

The primary obstacle remains their busy schedules, but their continued interest offers hope for a revival of James Delaney’s story. Many viewers believe there are still chapters to be explored in this compelling narrative.

  • Release Date: 2017
  • Network: BBC One
  • Showrunner: Steven Knight
  • Cast: Tom Hardy, Jonathan Pryce

Taboo begins in 1814, following James Delaney’s return to England after his father’s death and his twelve years in Africa, as he attempts to reclaim his inheritance against the backdrop of 19th-century London.